A leaking steering rack can catch you out. It is usually a problem with older cars, including some Ford models. Here are 5 signs of a leaking steering rack.
Puddles Under the Front of the Car
A puddle of small amounts of red, yellow or oily fluid under the front of the car near the front axle of the car indicates that there is a leak of fluid from the steering rack. The steering rack does not use engine oil so it will not look like engine oil which is a red or pink coloured liquid.
Wet or Oily Rack Body and Gaiters
Crouch down, inspect the steering rack, looking for signs of wet or oily Rubber Gaiters, they should be dry and hard, feel and smell of Rubber, if they feel swollen, wet and smell of fluid then a seal inside the rack has gone.
Low Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
So open up the bonnet of your Ford and check the level of fluid in the Power Steering Reservoir. If the level is dropping between top-ups and you have no signs of oil leaks from the engine then a steering rack leak is very likely.
A useful reference for Ford Steering Racks is https://westernpowersteering.co.uk/vehicles/ford/.
Fluid on Nearby Components
As the fluid from a leaking steering rack can leak slowly over time, check surrounding components for any signs of grease or fluid. Look at the subframe, anti-roll bar mounts and driveshaft boots for signs of a greasy film, or signs of fluid on these parts.
Heavy or Jerky Steering
A leaking steering rack can cause the steering to become very heavy especially at low speeds, and may also cause the steering to become ‘jerky’ when trying to steer. If you have noticed any change in the feeling of your steering, then it would be wise to get this checked out as soon as possible.
Recovering from a late Ford Steering Rack Leak is often less than a complete Steering Rack Rebuild and involves only Steering Rack Seal Repairs.
