Leaking Rack & Pinion need help

I have a 1996 Tacoma 4X4. The rack & pinion has been operating fine. No abuse or big offroad use. It just started dripping fluid from the far right fitting where the tube screws into the rack. When I say screws in I mean its dripping (while running) from between the tube and the screw in nut with the threads. I know it has a brass fitting inside and I see that the tube is flared to fit the brass fitting. I removed the brass fitting and seen that there is a small round groove in it where the tube flare fits on it. I have no idea if the groove is just from wear or what. I have ordered a new tube and new union seats (the brass things). Since its coming from China or Canada and I have to drive this truck daily I have tried putting in a small rubber seal I made from a bicycle tube, new fluid, and an o-ring to stop the leak. Still leaking and in fact its almost running out.

There are no leaks anywhere else on the Rack & Pinion. This just started a few days ago and it leaks out enough to cause the power steering pump to whine so I don't drive it to save the pump.

Any advise or similar experience would be appreciated. If you want to text me the response my number is 940-357-1622.
Thanks Jody.

 

Are you saying it is leaking where the rubber bellows meets and is clamped on to the tie rod with a spring?

 

No matter what, sounds like you need a rebuilt rack and pinion unit. The bellows is there to keep dirt and sand out, not to keep oil in. The oil seals are inside the rack, and sound like they are shot.

 

Good info-- sounds as if you had this problem.

 

Aahh, not that exact problem, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn one time.

I will tell you that I wish I had known that aftermarket bushings for the rack/pinion were available before I had it replaced because the bushings were way worn.

 

I read a thread with a similar issue to mine. This person had a pinhole in the line.
My issue is not the rack its the union seat not sealing off or a pinhole. There isn't any oil anywhere else. If you have ever looked under the right side and seen the steel line (tube) that feeds the fluid to the right side. This is where it's leaking, between the tube and the nut that is tightens into the housing. The fluid under pressure come out around the tube not the fitting, not the threads. I am confident that just replacing it with a new union seat on both ends and the new line will fix the issue. Praying this will fix it.

 

May we assume the nut is not just loose?