Leaking Rack and Pinion

[Leo090]

Hi, I have chevy 1997 lumina 3.1 L with 85K . I had the rack and pinion replaced last year because the steering wheel did not turn left.

 

 

Its been approx 8 months and rack and pinion is leaking . I have to add steering fluid every two weeks or so, so its not that bad of a leak yet , but I have noticed a puddle forming in my garage under the front driver side. The mechanic said my rack and pinion is leaking and I saw my rack and pinion was very wet and greasy (from steering fluid)

 

My concerns are : Can I drive the car and just keep adding steering fluid? or can the rack break on me from a leak and cause a crash?

 

 

If this is my 2nd rack and pinion problem and my car is starting to burn oil at 1 quart every 3-4 weeks, should I just buy a new car or over haul the chevy 1997 engine?

[Mel87]

It depends how fast it is leaking, sure you could drive it but make sure you fill to proper level or else you'll burn up your power steering pump causing more damage and it will become harder to turn or maybe even jerky at the extremes.

 

As far as oil, is it only upon start up/first couple minutes, or all the time? It could be something as simple as PCV system. I wouldn't jump on getting a new car yet, 1 quart every month almost isn't a big deal, tell us more in detail what it is doing.

Edited March 24, 2012 by Mel87

[Schurkey]

I had the rack and pinion replaced last year because the steering wheel did not turn left.

 

Its been approx 8 months and rack and pinion is leaking . I have to add steering fluid every two weeks or so, so its not that bad of a leak yet , but I have noticed a puddle forming in my garage under the front driver side. The mechanic said my rack and pinion is leaking and I saw my rack and pinion was very wet and greasy (from steering fluid)

Take the car back to whoever installed the rack, tell them you expect a warranty repair.

This should not cost you a dime.