Damage to steering rack???

[atomicjoe23]

I'm not very familiar with steering racks. . .if your power steering system springs a leak and is run for a period of time (let's say 3 hrs.) will that damage the steering rack & pinion. I'm pretty sure my pump is shot, but if this would cause damage to the R&P as well I want to be prepared for that so that I can take care of both at the same time instead of replacing just the pump only to find out that the R&P needed attention as well.

I haven't climbed underneath yet to see so I don't know what caused the leak, but it was very sudden. . .no problems with the PS system, no leaks, no nothing. . .then the system started making that PS groaning noise we all know on the way home from a weekend trip. . .no choice, but to continue on, get home, and address the situation once we were home.

Thanks for the help!

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[619repair]

Its just hard to say either way. Parts fail in all kinds of ways. I would check the ps fluid in the resevoir, if there is any. If it still has fluid but it is burned up from a pump failure, you could get away with changing the pump and flushing out the fluid in the rest of the system. (a 5 gallon bucket and some bulk hose will help in this).

If there is a leak and it is from the ps rack then it is obvious that that the rack must be replaced. And maybe the pump also.

A groaning sound could just be a slightly low fluid level, so it could be as simple as topping off the fluid level. Especially if the noise is only present durring turning and when the vehicle leans side to side. ( if so you would still want to flush it out after confirmation)

I would check the fluid level and condition, and go from there. If it is empty put some fluid in and go from there. I hope this is helpful.

[atomicjoe23]

I guess I should have included more details. . .the fluid level in the reservoir was next to non-existent and the groaning sound was only present when turning although there was a slight whining noise when accelerating. . .as the car warmed up the sound pretty much went away. Didn't think too much about it, but then it got much worse after the car was shut off and restarted. . .now the groaning is non-stop and the worst when turning. . .

. . .it's hemmoraging (sp?) fluid from somewhere, but I haven't found where yet. . .I've got it up on jack stands so I can check it out and see. I'm hoping it's from the reservoir or a hose and not from the rack. . .easier and cheaper fix.

Thanks for the help.