So, my mom's '89 was in for an alignment, and the tech. made a note that the rack and pinion should be replaced becuase it was "leaking heavily". And yet, when I have checked her power steering fluid level over the past few years, it has never needed to have any fluid added. Logically, if it is leaking, then I should have to be adding some, right? Is the tech just trying to get unnecessary work done? I think the estimate was for well over $400.

So, my mom's '89 was in for an alignment, and the tech. made a note that the rack and pinion should be replaced becuase it was "leaking heavily". And yet, when I have checked her power steering fluid level over the past few years, it has never needed to have any fluid added. Logically, if it is leaking, then I should have to be adding some, right? Is the tech just trying to get unnecessary work done? I think the estimate was for well over $400.

I think you have made a fair assessment of the situation.

There's probably oil coming from somewhere else. Or else he's trying to rip you off! I wouldn't go back.

try pulling the boot back to see if maybe its leaking from the seal

Run her into a second shop to get another opinion. If necessary, have them run dye in the fluid to see what's actually leaking and where. It may be that the tech was looking for some gravy, or it may be a case of mistaken identity. MM.