99 Rack and pinion inspection

[goad]

I lost power steering and just assumed it was the pump.
I changed the pump, etc... When I started the van the steering was as expected...turned with some whining and then a POP and fluid is flowing from out of the boot that I assume going into the rack (passenger side).

My question is...What do I inspect? Am I looking at seals that may have blown or possible rack replacement?

Thanks all in advance for assistance.

Ken

[12Ounce]

One does not want to fool around with a failing rack and pinion. If it locks up .... well, you can imagine several bad outcomes. Whenever I detect leakage, or wear of any kind: I replace the whole rack assembly. At nearly 500k miles, I'm on my third (I think) replacement... the second one for sure.

[goad]

Thats just about what I figured.
Did you do the replacement yourself? Pretty intensive?

Ken

[12Ounce]

I did do it myself. No that difficult, but is kinda. Be sure to do reading before starting. Be sure to tie steering wheel in place while wheels are straight ahead ... to avoid problems with "clock-spring". Note that hold down bolts are actually spline bolts. Might be best to buy at least one before starting, so you can understand this bolt. Much more than I can cover here ... but these are some "alerts".

The rack assembly includes inner tie rods, but not outers ..... I would always replace outers as part of the process.

[wiswind]

You will also want to have the front end aligned once you complete this job.