Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting how to replace rack and pinoin?

A buddy at work has a 98 contour svt with a 2.5 stick.
I work on my f 150 and my stang so he asked me to help him.
His problem is he has a big leak in his power steering system. I have not seen it yet but I want to do some research before I go and help this weekend. he explained to me within 2 mins the pump will be empty, its pooling on the floor behind the engine. He cannot see the leak from the top or by looking under. it also leaks by moving the steering wheel without the engine running.
Is there a common thing this could be? Worst case, how hard to remove the rack and pinion. I'm used to working on rear wheel drive fords so I'm not familiar with this car.

the dealer said $75 hr to look at it.

The rack is difficult to remove. Everything has limited clearance. And, there is a cover over the rack that needs to be removed before the rack comes out... Lines on these vehicles are prone to rubbing through, so I would make an effort to rule out each individual line. Rack leaks usually come through the inner tie rod end boot... Good luck.

i have never changed a rack on a front wheel drive car, only the rear wheel drive mustangs..... it was a pain to mess with on the rear wheel drive(and will be more work on a front wheel drive car).. make sure its not the lines going to the rack before messing with the rack... the rubber hoses or O-rings/gaskets on the power steering will probably go out first...before the rack goes out.... and alot easier to mess with....

What's the symtom if streeting rack is going?

I just went through this. You need to drop the subframe to get enough room to pull the rack. Also purchase replacement hoses from O'Reilly, etc. Replacement hoses both high and low ran me about 45 dollars. These hoses have teflon orings on them for sealing. The new hoses will have them on them. I recommend adding an extra oring to ensure good seal. They are not that expensive from the Ford dealer.
O'Reilly has rebuilt racks for about 125 dollars....decent price......


Bob