I went to see a Subie specialist about an engine noise and while I was there, he noticed my rack leaking (dripping on my downpipe and burning). I acknowledged that I'd be replacing it soon (its not that bad at all). He said he could fix it for $6.00 - or I could do it myself. Of course my ears perked up.

 

He suggested I add brake fluid next time I need to fill my PS reservoir. I acted surprised and receptive, but deep down, thought the guy was INSANE. He says the [caustic] brake fluid will soften the seals and swell them up - hence stopping the leak. He claims he had a Legacy that went from leaking 1qt a week, to not leaking a drop ...and he's seen this add 5yrs to the life of the rack. Keep in mind - I live in the heart of Appalachia.

 

My wallet says "yes" - my brain says "no" ...thoughts?

I'd say no.

 

I've had outstanding results with Lucas Power Steering additive. Available at Wal-Mart and the auto store chains.

 

I'd be afraid of the brake fluid myself.

yes it will swell and soften the seals. it might just work. just never put ps fluid in ths brake system it will do the same thing and you will have major problems. seen that happen more than once.

Brake fluid eats most rubber, plastic, paint, etc. So if added in small quantities it could in fact cause the seals to gum up and seal better.

 

Why not just rebuild the rack? Are you sure it's comming from the rack itself and not a fitting or line?

 

GD

it can probably fixed with a new .90 cent o-ring at the hose to rack fitting, where they seem to always leak. I had to re O-ring about 3 of mine, and that has always stopped the leaks.

 

 

Do not put in brake fluid.

I have had pretty good luck with the Lucas snake oil.

I tried that many years ago to save a transmission in my 1978 Ford LTD. It lasted for 6 months, but then it lost 3rd, 2nd, and finally 1st, within 3 miles. Not so hot. I'd just figure out where the leak was and take care of it.

i have had good luck with trans-x power steering fluid stop leak.

WOW!! Thanks for the responses!

 

Yeah, I was determined to replace the rack anyway because the inners are starting to go on this one. A new reman rack at autozone is $230. The leak is coming from the upper o-ring where the steer shaft goes into the box. I figure new inners and a non-leaky rack is worth it - no?

 

Here's another thought. I have this "engine pull" thread going now too because of my flexplate. If I do the rack at the same time, is it easier to get to my flexplate by dropping the tranny rather than pulling the motor? The rack has to come out for that - right?

I figure new inners and a non-leaky rack is worth it - no?

 

If I do the rack at the same time, is it easier to get to my flexplate by dropping the tranny rather than pulling the motor?

 

The rack has to come out for that - right?

 

 

no.

no.

and no.

 

the engine is always easier. if you are going to do the rack, do it with the engine out. it's easy to get the steering wheel and wheels straight then.

 

a used rack is a good choice, 60$ instead of 260$. they do not fail often.

 

 

http://www.car-part.com

replacement inners and o-ring is the way i'd go. i just put inners in my wifes 95 postal.

replacement inners and o-ring is the way i'd go. i just put inners in my wifes 95 postal.

 

Just in case I ever need to do it, what do you mean by «inners»?

i have seen many so called "Subaru experts" and have has private msgs, and as soon as they say they are an expert, i tell them to run the other direction.

 

This guy is nuts. Steering is as importatn as brakes (wonder if he ever pyts P/S fluid in the brakes to stop the fluid from absorbing water - same logic - none).

 

Just replace the rack.

 

 

nipper

Just in case I ever need to do it, what do you mean by «inners»?

 

you have an inner tie rod and outter tie rod end. the inner tie rod screws fast to the main part of the rack and is half covered with the black boot. then the outter screws fast to the inner and locked fast with a jam nut. they are very simple to change and cost a lot less than a rebuilt rack. if the rack isn't binding or leaking from internal seals no sense in replacing it. the only fluids you can mix is trans fluid in the ps. never mix any other fluids thoe.

Edited May 12, 201015 yr by rtcaravan

i have seen many so called "Subaru experts" and have has private msgs, and as soon as they say they are an expert, i tell them to run the other direction.

 

This guy is nuts. Steering is as importatn as brakes (wonder if he ever pyts P/S fluid in the brakes to stop the fluid from absorbing water - same logic - none).

 

Just replace the rack.

 

 

nipper

 

this was my original logic - we're on the same page. I'm pulling the motor next week to replace the flexplate - planning on doing the rack at the same time.

Thanks for the confirmation :thumbsup: