Rack and pinion leaking

Tiny
KAISON MCNEMEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 260,000 MILES
Replaced power steering pump as it had a leak. All is well until the third test drive now leaking from end cap on bottom of rack and pinion rack. It has a hex head like a bolt. Is this removable to where I can replace the seal in it? I circled where it's leaking from in the attached pic. Is there a way to reseal this at all?
Monday, May 2nd, 2022 AT 2:13 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I am not sure I know which hex headed bolt you are referring to that would have a seal in it that could be replaced or leak. The picture that you are referring to did not attach so can you try and attach it again?

More than likely on this unit the leak is coming from a line and just dripping down to the bolt, so it is important to clean this off and check it again once it starts dripping again.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

I attached a diagram below that will help with pointing out where this bolt is so let me know about this and if you can get the picture and we can go from there.

Thanks
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Monday, May 2nd, 2022 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
KAISON MCNEMEE
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It's right where number nine is pointing to in your diagram. I believe it's called the end cap. It's the opposite side of the steering input shaft the bottom of the pinion gear I would assume.
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Monday, May 2nd, 2022 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
KAISON MCNEMEE
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Here.
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Monday, May 2nd, 2022 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
KAISON MCNEMEE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It's right where number nine is pointing to in your diagram. I believe it's called the end cap it's the opposite side of the steering input shaft the bottom of the pinion gear I would assume
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Monday, May 2nd, 2022 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. That is good to know. However, are you sure it is not just dripping off of this?

If you look at the diagram again the line connections are just above this, so it is much more likely to have a leaking line connection that is running down the shaft and dripping off this bolt.

What I would do is completely clean this area off with a spray cleaner and then operate the vehicle and watch these line connections to see if you are getting any fluid from them first. Basically, just start the engine and have someone turn the wheel from lock to lock.
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Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022 AT 5:00 PM

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