So I was under the car looking for where the smoke is coming from when I stop. So what I found is it looks like the steering is leaking where the shaft from the steering wheel enters the rack. IS he easiest fix just to replace the whole unit with one from the junkyard?

Or is there a way to stop the leak?

 

Thanks

 

Are you actually losing power-steering fluid?

Or are you losing engine-oil?

 

These questions are relevant, because (for some engine models) a leaking head-gasket can cause engine-oil to drip down and accumulate on that small gearbox at the bottom-end of the steering wheel.

 

What year/model/engine do you have?

Check for a head-gasket leak at the lower-rear corner of the head (on the steering-wheel side). If that location is wet with oil, then it may be that your supposed steering-oil leak is actually from the engine above.

Just a thought.

I have the 2.5 engine. 

It is definitely power steering fluid. You can see the buildup from where the shaft enters the top.  And the engine does not loose oil, but the power steering does. Trans also holds level.

Someone recommended a reseal of the rack? I was thinking just a pick n pull replacement? 

 

This is a 99 legacy outback wagon. 2.5L auto.

If you're in northern Washington I have a 98 outback rack in Vancouver I'm trying to get rid of. Likely headed down to seattle soon.

I am down by Portland. but thanks. Guess I should look at the pick n pull. What years and models use the same rack?

 

Thanks

I am down by Portland. but thanks. Guess I should look at the pick n pull. What years and models use the same rack?

 

Thanks

I am thinking all Legacy models 95-99, including Outbacks, which are Legacys.

this is one case where i'd try stop leak first.  if it doesn't work you're just throwing the old rack away anyway, so why not?

 

otherwise yeah you can use gobs and gobs of steering racks.  95-99 legacy or outback will work - they have different steering ratios which probably only matters if you're really concerned, performance, minded, etc. 

impreza racks probably even work too - but you shouldn't have any trouble finding a leg/outback one. 

DO NOT allow the steering wheel to spin freely when you disconnect it. Roll-connector/clockspring cable w'ever will be damaged.

Outback rack has a different ratio and I think the spline input shaft is a hair longer.

Otherwise any Legacy model 95-99 it'll bolt in.

Thanks, I am going to try the stop leak first. Also found the lines to the trans cooler above the rack leaking a little, so maybe the leak is not as bad as I thought it was, and the stop leak may work?  I also tightened the hose clamps on the trans lines, I am assuming it is to the cooler?

 

Thanks

yes - transmission lines come out of there and head up front to cooler.

 

if the lines are original, brittle, and cracking, might want to entertain replacing or at least cutting an inch off and getting fresh hose on there. 

are those rubber all the way to the front? or just part way? I did not take the time to look. how many feet of hose? and just regular transmission hose, nothing special?