tabrubaker323

i have 95 ex coupe and my ps rack is leaking pretty good. first off has anyone rebuilt one? or am i better off just getting brand new rack and pinion and all new tie rods? my fluid is dark and smells pretty burnt. I have heard this is a sign of ps pump issues but also heard that a leaking rack can dry out some metal surfaces and cause the same issue. i would appreciate any feedback from anyone with some knowledge on the subject, thanks!

Slambeard

Can you post any pictures of where it's leaking from?

tabrubaker323

i can but its the passenger side seal inside the boot.

Slambeard

Your seals might be shot. I would need to see a picture.

tabrubaker323

ok I was figuring that was the issue, but do you think this could be related to the burnt fluid? and would you tear it apart and put a new seal in or just buy a new rack? thanks for the response

Slambeard

You can tear it apart and replace the seals, depending on how mechanically inclined you are. Another PS rack will fetch you around $100. The "burnt" fluid could be old fluid. I don't know the history of it. Flushing your system with fresh fluid wouldn't make it run worse now would it?

Slambeard

Power steering fluid does deteriorate, acquiring a "burnt" smell. Compare the odor of your fluid with fresh fluid to see if there's a significant difference.

tabrubaker323

ok thanks alot man,i think im going to fix the leak and flush the fluid, then see if that takes care of the burnt smell before i mess with the pump.

Slambeard

Let me know how it goes!