My sister's 1995 Mystique just had the pressure line to the rack rust and fail. It's in the shop right now till the part comes. It was not a driveway job for us. The shop claims no frame drop needed, we will see..I think they have a mechanic with small hands...$500 is the damage incl parts, we also had a new steering coupler (the old one wobbles/squawks) installed while the rack is moved. Road salt sucks, I think there needs to be a shield there to keep the lines dry.
I had to have my steering rack replaced a few years ago. It was leaking fluid like crazy. The worst part was it happened at about 105,000 miles, just after my bumper-to-bumper warranty expired at 100,000. And yes, it was expensive.
Bob Johann
SoundQ SVT
1998 T-Red SVT Contour #3088
2001 IASCA Pro Street 1-600 Champion
2002 SLAP Pro Street 1-600 Champion
2002 MECA SQL Master Class Champion
2003 IASCA StreetX 1-600 Champion
2005 SLAP Expert Street Champion
All, I HIGHLY advise NOT to do this if you dont have a car lift. This job is a major pain, and is dangerous if you don't have the right equipement or skills. I got away with paying $169 for the rack at Kragen and spending $275 for a local shop to install it. WELL worth it and it runs great now. Only thing is that I would also HIGHLY recommend replacing the power steering pump while you are at it. These are $50 at Autozone, and would not be that much more for labor. Make sure to inspect it all first thoroughly prior to bringing it in for where the leaks all are. Pay special attention to the lines from the rack to the pump for leaks. You may need the lines as well. Get these at the dealer for $50 for the set.
And yes, it was expensive. 