1999 Ford Taurus Power Steering failure

1999 FORD TAURUS
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DPORTERJR
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I have had two (2) garages, both reputable,fair and honest in the past,have told me that my '99 Taurus needs a new steering rack. I have noticed that the car seems to steer ok for a very brief period of time, then, without any whining or noise, the power assist seems to fail. When I add fluid to the reservoir, it works ok, but the mechanics say that the fluid is leaking from "both ends--reservoir and the rack itself".
I do not see any fluid leak spots or puddles, but I do notice that the fluid is apparantly leaking because it constantly needs it--at least 2 times a week.
My questiion concerns the repair prices given to me by these garages: one quoted right at $1 grand, the other at $625--in my opiniion, this is out of the question. Could I save any money buying a used rack, or is most of the cost here in the labor?? If so, is this is a repair that I can do myself, Or is it too specialized or difficult for a "non-mechanical mechanic"??
Jun 18, 2008 at 4:01 PM
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