so my steering rack blew at 30k miles my truck just turned 70k it is now acting sluggish and loosing a small amount of power steering fluid. i think it is the pump i have to get under it and figure out where it is actually comming from. is there anyway to improve the power steering? a cooler? just trying to figure out a way to takecare of it so it lasts longer. i wish there was a good aftermarket rack to help... you info is appreciated. thanks mike

 

I dunno what to tell ya'. I know guys who are on their 3rd and 4th rack in under 100,000 miles who have stock size tires and no level or lift and I know guys running 35's with 6" of lift who have 150,000+ miles on their original rack.

I haven't found any rhyme or reason as of yet. I know I cross my fingers every time I do an oil change and get underneath to check the header bolts that my rack shows no leaks and so far, so good...

 

I just replaced mine... dang it... truck has 155k on it, and this is it's third..

One thing that could help, is make sure the boots don't get bound up and don't extend to the tie- they like to do that, and when they do you can get crap on the stanchions, which in turn could foul the seal when it glides over it, which would cause leaking if it breaks it, and the racks ultimate death..

Other than that, it's a matter of flushing the thing as often as every 6~10k.. little shards of metal from the pump also rip at the seals, which do the same thing as mentioned above, but from the inside out.

I too, wish there was a better product available..

 

Yeah, Im 78k with 12" of lift and heavy 24" rims and 36" tires and on my original rack. With that being said, have you degreased everything and and checked to see where the leak is actually coming from. The hoses some times leak.

 

yeah i keep her greased but i will go over it again to be sure. i crawled under her yesterday it is leaking from the rack where the steering shaft connects.... i think my next step except for start saving for a new rack is to take u guys advice and flush the system, any tips tricks to this? i have to take a look at my manual. yeah the truck is on stock wheels tires with a leveling kit. thanks mike

 

A new rack will set you back about $200 with a lifetime warranty. I wouldnt buy a rack without a lifetime warranty. Changing it out isnt hard either. Just remember to get an alignment afterwards. As for changing the fluid. I would just disconnect the hose from the reservoir and let it drain and refill.

 

What fluid is recommended?

 

ATF4 fluid

 

about how much fluid do u think i will have to remove and replace? thanks guys i really appreciate it

 

i meant to write this b4, would it help any if i took my leveling kit off? if i did what does it involve? i had the kit put on while i was deployed, bought it off tire rack and told my wife to drop it off.