Power steering rack and pinion leak
 

Hello guys

I have got this power steering rack and pinion leak problems ever since I bought my car. The rack and pinion came with the Speedtech front clip kit that was installed by the previous owner and power steering leak issues started after driving the car for only 150 miles.

I have circled the areas where power steering fluid leak is taking place.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...ps7e26d894.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...ps503e91d3.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...psc3ff7677.jpg

The high pressure hose as seen in the above photo is leaking as well plus the areas circled above. I cleaned the area circled in the 3rd photo, and I did not observe any leak afterwards

I am really surprised how power steering rack and pinion failed after 150 miles of driving.

Does this mean it is the time for a new power steering rack and pinion?

Your input guys will be appreciated

Is it a Unisteer Rack?
I would contact them directly to get their opinion ask for Marc Mercurio,
800-338-9080

Hello Blake

I don't know if it is a Unisteer rack but this came with Speedtech front clip that was purchased by my friend. I sent you a PM long time ago regarding this issue.

Am I the only one with power steering leak!!!!!

What style rack is it? I know with a mustang 2 you need to change the valveing on the pump to get it down to 2gal per min.
just a thought

Well I am not what style it is but it was bolted on to the Speedtech subframe kit when the kit was ordered from them.

As far as the power steering pump, I believe it is the one that comes with LS6 crate engine.

Well then it is a Unisteer Rack.
you do need the 2 GPM power steering pump.
if I missed the email you sent I apologize.
in a couple of the pictures it looks like the mounting bracket has been modified?? where the rack mounts to the bracket, not sure what is going on there.
The leak at the Banjo fitting is likely just that it needs to be tightened or was tightened incorrectly and has damaged the seal.
Make sure!!!! the pressure line is on the correct port!!! the pressure "IN" port is the one that is lowest on the pinion housing. If this is hooked up incorrectly and has been pressurized then the seals inside the unit will probably be blown. and this will cause the unit to leak.
sometimes the fluid coming from the housing separation is left over assembly fluid.
The fluid also appears to be RED is it ATF or Power Steering Fluid??? DON't use ATF!!!!

let me know if this helps you can call as well if you need to 435-628=4300

The standard LS power steering pump would be a 3 GPM so the restrictor/ flow valve needs to be changed to a 2 GPM Billet Specialities sells them part # RP1300
this "normally" wont cause any issues if it has not been drive much but will make the steering way to light and will increase the heat build up in the fluid as it tries to bypass too much fluid. as well it may cause air in the system and it will be impossible to bleed out.

Hello Blake

Honestly you have been very supportive and answered all my queries whenever I send you or I had sent you PMs.

The leak at the hose fitting is the high pressure one that is coming from the pump. However, not quiet sure about the capacity of the pump itself. It is the one that came with crate engine.

Unfortunately I am using the ATF from AcDelco.

As per your feeback the pressure line is on the correct port

I am not sure if the mounting bracket was modified. I do appreciate if you send me a photo showing the correct way of mounting the bracket

I will try to get the one from Billet specialities.

GET THE ATF OUT!!!
if there is an issue with it leaking, and it goes back for warranty Unisteer will instantly void any warranty if it has ATF in the rack, it specifically says in the unisteer instructions "DO NOT USE ATF"

http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1a19e4a8.jpg

http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...ps615fc7dc.jpg

Thanks for the photos Blake. Although the mounting bracket looks different, i do not think it was modified in mine or I can not think of a reason that required any modification.

Anyways I guess I need to flush out the ATF, don't know how though. Also a new rack and pinion maybe necessary

I would drain the reservior and fill with PSF. Run it for a few miles and change again

Thanks man for the input, will do that

Rack and pinion leak update!!
 

Ok guys I am going to order the 2GMP control valve as per Blake's advice. As for the Banjo fitting leak I did put littel force on the Banjo fitting, and it seems like it did stop the leak.

However, my concern is the leak shown in the first photo, apparently the black round cover is a plug to prevent ingress of dirt into the pinion portion. My interpretation might not be right and appreciate if someone could chime in to educate me.

With above being said, does it mean that a new rack and pinion needs to be installed or I can remove the black cover shown in the first photo and tighten the nut ( if there is one)

If I were you I would Call Mavel manufacturing and ask DIRECTLY.
talk to Marc Mercurio,800-338-9080 tell him I gave him your number.

Thanks Blake,I will give him a call sometime this week

Fyi dse has the flow valves in stock

http://www.detroitspeed.com/Steering...rol-valve.html
here

Thanks man. The DSE control valve is applicable to PS pumps with integrated reservoir, whereas the Billet Specialities RP1300 is intended to be used with PS pumps with remote reservoirs.

I have remote reservoir so the Billet Specialities valve will be the correct one for my application