Power Steering Rack Leak

[kxc36g]

Hi

My power steering system has a nasty leak and I believe it is coming from the power steering rack. I have to add fluid about twice a week to keep the pump happy. The fluid drips all over my downpipe, causing my car to smoke. The lines leading into the rack do not appear to be the problem. The boots on the power steering rack do not have fluid in them, so the leak appears to be coming from the center-rear of the rack. What seal could this be?

Next, if it is the rack, should I get a new one or can the old one have a seal replaced? What do these things sell for, what other parts should I replace (150,000 miles) while the rack is being changed out, and about how long would it take a mechanic to perform this job on a 92 GSX?

Thanks for the input,
Chris

 

[qwall]

It's the rack. I'd replace the whole rack as the seal kit itself costs almost as much as remanufactured rack. I had the same problem on my talon, went to a junkyard and picked up a good rack, never got a chance to use it as I got rid of my talon, still got the rack thou .

 

[kyledykstra]

When I had this problem, I just replaced the hoses on the rack. The local DSM mechanic told me it's fairly common... can't remember the price of it tho, I know it was way cheaper and easier than installing a new rack tho