Power Steering/Pack & Pinion Question...

Hello Everyone,
I own a '89 Chrysler New Yorker with a 3.0.
I had a slow leak that I was unable to find. Needed PS fluid every time I
used the vehicle. Yet, I saw no leaks. Suddenly, as I was driving, I hear
something burst and a small fire started. I doused the fire and noticed that
something had popped and spewed PS fluid onto the exhaust manifold. Well, I
checked out the system and noticed that the PS pump bearing had become
damaged to a point that the pulley had lots of side to side play. Also,
noticing that the PS hoses were pretty corroded, I replaced all three items.
This after calling around and being quoted $325 - 400.00 for labor.

I finally completed the work, but now, I have another problem. As soon as I
poured some fluid into the PS pump and went to start the vehicle, I noticed
a leak. The leak is coming from a split boot on the right side of the rack
and pimion assembly where it connects to the rack.

So, after this lengthy explanation, I am wondering if anyone can tell me if
fluid is suppose to travel through the boots of the rack and pinion assemble
or if the unit is defective. If defective, can it be replaired with a new
boot or is replacement of the rack unit necessary???

HELP!!

Thank you in advance.

Jesse

 

Replace the rack - the boots are not normally pressurized/do not see
fluid, but are supposed to be protected by seals in the rack that have
apparently failed.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
adddress with the letter 'x')