steering rack?

[JonBoy]

Hi all, I'm just starting to search so I hope I don't get flamed too hard. 2002 quad cab 1500 2wd 5.9
Started hearing creaking going over bumps, now creaking when I turn. The other day I notice clear fluid leaking out of my steering rack right towards the middle. My power steering isn't low. Is there desperate fluid in the rack itself?
Also, have seen guys on the 6th rack. I'd rather do this once, any tricks or tips? Truck has 185k miles

 

[TexasRammer]

Clear fluid? It shouldnt be clear. Where exactly is it leaking from? Ive replaced my rack twice so if you need any advice I could help.

 

[JonBoy]

Haven't had tons of time to track it yet, but its dripping down around the middle area of the rack. I thought it could be coolant at first but given the squeaking when turning or hitting a bump, I'm thinking cleat power steering fluid?

 

[MADDOG]

Sounds like a steering stabilizer has failed. Looks like a shock absorber sitting in the middle of the steering rack. Take a pic of the front suspension/steering rack and post it up.

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

Sounds like a steering stabilizer has failed. Looks like a shock absorber sitting in the middle of the steering rack. Take a pic of the front suspension/steering rack and post it up.

I agree with this statement!

 

[TexasRammer]

He doesnt have a steering stabilizer. Maybe the previous owner put actual power steering fluid in it(not sure if its clear?) but these take atf+4 for power steering fluid

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

Well then, lets start narrowing things down. Have you touched the liquid? Was it like water? Or was it a light oil feeling? How recently have you brakes fluid been changed?

 

[TexasRammer]

I would check to see if the fluid in the steering reservoir is clear, if it is then that means someone put actual power steering fluid in there which will ruin the system

 

[MADDOG]

He doesnt have a steering stabilizer. Maybe the previous owner put actual power steering fluid in it(not sure if its clear?) but these take atf+4 for power steering fluid

You've seen the truck, Nick?

 

[TexasRammer]

No but im just assuming he hasnt added one since they dont come stock. An i didnt think you could add them to these racks anyway but not positive

 

[JonBoy]

Pics

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

I'd say do what texas rammer said and check the color in the holder. And if its not clear. Then take a towel and wipe the fluid, make sure it's clear and not a reddish color.

 

[MADDOG]

Looks like it's coming from above in that pic.

 

[JonBoy]

No stabilizer, fluid looks mostly clear...not my doing. I did however add some of the same to check if it made a difference, really dark new areas are from spillage I think. It almost looks like the leak originates where the steering shaft comes in.

 

[TexasRammer]

Do you have any power steering right now? It almost looks like a seal on the rack blew... Is the boot inflated?

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

Is that piece in the picture wet?

 

[JonBoy]

I think that was from spillage. I have never had loss of power steering.

 

[JonBoy]

It did look like that hose should be further on, I pushed on it but it wasn't notable loose

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

What is that hose running to? You shouldn't be able to just push any hose on ever. Haha. That's not a good sign. Got a closer picture of it?

 

[TexasRammer]

Thats the line going to the cooler. It should have a clamp on it, those do fail easily so that could be it