Steering rack

[nick Godridge]

Hi all,  I find I have oil leaking from the nearside end of the steering rack on my 1984 built car.
   
   It is visible on the gaiter, and underneath where it collects on the chassis rail.
   
   I have never seen this previously, although it was recently 'topped up' when it was serviced prior to a recent continental trip.
   
   Not knowing anything about steering systems, I have no idea why it could be leaking, and would appreciate any suggestions as to the source of the problem, and whether it has safety implications.
   
   Look fwd to hearing from those members with greater technical knowledge than myself.
   
   nick Godridge

[Flyinghorse]

Would it not be grease in the rack not oil? If so oil coming from elsewhere--ie oil cooler lines etc. There was this thread about something similar while back but no real conclusion as to what the issue was.
   
   http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3977&SearchTerms=oil,leak
   
   Graham

[Flyinghorse]

Nick,
   I re read your thread and you are quite specific about the leak point so it does look like the steering rack.
   
   I was speaking to a knowledgeable AC man and the racks are not grease filled,and it's more accurate  to say its heavy oil likely SAE140+ or could be a specialist rack lube.(ie penrite)
   
   Its possible the rack end seal could  be perished so its leaking into the gaiter/boot/rod protector and the steering motion squeezing it out of the boot.
   
   There are plenty of places that can refurbish the rack if you dont want to do it yourself.
   
   Safety wise-oil dripping is bad for other road users,you will run out of fluid,you may wear the rack. Guess it depend on the leak rate.
   
   Its likely a ford rack ,and there are plenty of refurbishment specialists out there.
   
   I guess you could just monitor it and oil levels till season end then deal with it. There are also some "snake oil" additives that may give temporary repair.
   
   The other possibility is it was overfilled/filled with wrong oil,so may be worth draining the boot (easy just two clap clips )and see if it reoccurs.
   
   Graham