Steering rack is wet

I have noticed that the bottom of my steering rack is wet with what looks like hydraulic fluid. It has been this way for some time and I have not lost any power steering, and dont really know why its wet. If I do end up losing power steering would the truck become undrivable? Would it be possible to just strong arm the truck until I have the money to get it fixed?

 

Yeah, it's no big deal if you lose power steering, just makes it harder to turn. If you have other issues, who knows lol.

It's free to take a peek yourself and try to find the leak...

 

Leaks/seepage from the steering rack is quite common in our trucks. Mine has a boot on the passenger side that shows signs of some seepage. I’ve been checking it, and there are no drips. If you’re not having any other trouble with it, and it’s not actually dripping anywhere, then you probably don’t have to worry about it.

 

gotcha, I appreciate it!!

 

Just keep an eye on the PS fluid level.
If you let the pump run dry, you’ll be in for more expense later.

 

If you don't notice a drop in the PSF reservoir then check if it is the timing cover leak. I still have my timing cover leak and noticed that some of the oil drips onto the steering rack.

 

Well... you can still steer. Your power steering pump will not be happy at all once it runs dry & you'll be needing one of those to go with a new rack.

Ah, the joys of the 1st gen, when one could just go "oh, problem with my ____, I'll just pop the belt off in 5 minutes!" (Or if lazy/in hurry, just cut it...)

 

If it's just some dampness on the rubbber accordian boots that's not a big deal. But eventually the boots will get soggy and rip open, exposing the inside of the steering gear. It'll need to get replaced eventually