A few years ago, I had pulled that rack and pinion out to install new inner tie rod ends. I had found it was a hell of a job. Lst week, one of the metal tubing on the rack piston started leaking and emptied the tank. External access totally impossible, so I pulled the R&P out..and given the age of system and effort...went for a remanufactured replacement...did not want to go again for it.
Anyway, was it patience that goes with age or simply the fact I had done it before, I proceeded through that chore with ease ..so I would not make anyone afraid again of having to pull it out.
Disconnecting the steering column from the R&P went easy...and reconneceting also once I managed to align it properly...I was 1/2 turn off for a little while, totally convinced I had set it exactly as when I disconnected it....it was not.
So...I do not want to do it again...but if necessary....I'll go for it.
Pictures of the leak, and separation of rear of subframe from body as required for the operation.
http://www.avigex.ca/xport/rack.jpg
http://www.avigex.ca/xport/frame.jpg
...and..by the way, that low frequency rumble that obviously came from right wheel drive system had gone worse and worse. Last year, I had pulled the right CV axle and felt it was OK...so I had installed it back on. I thought the obvious end play of the transmission output bronze bearing could be the cause, but would not dig into that solution until proven solid. NOw with the worsening ot the rumble, I decided to "risk" 90$ as a fair price for testing and changed the axle..that you can see brand new in picture above. I just made a quick test run and think 80% of the rumble is gone. no victory fanfare yet...will keep you informed as front end rumble has been a problem for very many forum members....and at the beginning, stepping out of TTC would alleviate the noise, and it is possible that move just hides the problem when it is not severe. I'll keep reporting on that issue .

Very nice documentary ;) - we're also planning to replace a leaking rack & pinion unit.

Some mechanic even said that such minor leaks (I have to top the power steering reservoir once every 6 months or less) are typical for old GM power steering units.

This and the unchanged steering feel made me postpone the operation but the leak managed to ruin my back transmission mount and rack bushings so I have to do something about it.

Your bushings appear to be in good order but do you have a whole picture of the rack and pinon unit? Does it have only one bushing where it attaches to the underframe?

Also do you know a good online store that has the recommended power steering fluid for this system?

Yes, one bushing only, as is.
..steering fluid? indeed, good question. I filled er up with p.s. fluid from a local store...and it is far too viscous, and makes the steering quite hard until the fluid has heated up somewhat. I had experienced the same the first time I pulled it out...and had finally siphoned the fluid out and poured in transmission fluid....all to the best. I think I'll go for the same soon...unless a better option prevails.

Good job.
And no good job is complete without a bouquet of Motomaster jackstands under the car :)

Thank you LMP! How's your new (reman) rack & pinion unit holding up?

Maybe that's one of the reasons the seals failed on my PS unit - I used thin ATF instead of the recommended stuff and it leaked like crazy.

Now I have some mix of dedicated PS Fluid + Lucas Stop Leak, it doesn't leak noticeably but the damage was done, especially to the bushings which turned to jelly.

If I get a new unit I might as well use the GM PS Fluid and hope for the best (the mechanics are thinking otherwise - all GM PS units are leaking creatures by nature :)