Big rack Problems

I seem to have a problem with the steering rack on my 87 TC. It's leaking from the input shaft seal. This is the third rack in about 4 years that has done this to me. Can anyone suggest a solution to this problem? I really need to find out why it is doing it before I go and replace this rack again.

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87 TC 5-speed Black, loaded. 17psi, G3 alternator, KB subs, Grant steering wheel, custom greasable swaybar bushings, K&N. Soon to have KB Trackit Axle brackets, Maximum Motorsports lower control arms, T-3, Saab intercooler, ranger roller cam Gen1 DSM BOV and rebuilt front suspension.

My experience with rebuilt racks is this: If you get a $59 rebuilt at the local discount parts store, it will last a year or so before it starts to leak. If you get a quality rebuilt unit, which will cost well in excess of $100, it will last. Kind of the same thing with rebuilt alts and starters... The 29 ones last 6 months, the $100+ ones last for years.

Another good idea: Put a filter in the return line to catch any junk that is circulating thru the system. I have a $3 metal cased fuel filter in the return lines of both my Tbirds, and you would be surprised how much gunk they catch!

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 20 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0: intake, exhaust, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 00 Windstar (wifes vehicle)

It wasn't a cheap rack by any means. Thankfully it has a lifetime warranty, but I need to try and figure out whats causing it first before I put the replacement rack in. I'm going to try the filter idea though.

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87 TC 5-speed Black, loaded. 17psi, G3 alternator, KB subs, Grant steering wheel, custom greasable swaybar bushings, K&N. Soon to have KB Trackit Axle brackets, Maximum Motorsports lower control arms, T-3, Saab intercooler, ranger roller cam Gen1 DSM BOV and rebuilt front suspension.

Where did you buy it?? If you got it from Auto Zone or Advance It's Crap!!!!!
Both places use the same reman Co. for suspention stuff ex. Shocks and and ignition stuff suck as distributors!

It was bought through a chain called The Mufflerman here in Canada. I know the guys at the location I use very well, they don't install crap parts. They're as baffled as I am about this problem. The only thing I can think of is a restriction in the return line somewhere that is causing an overpressure in the rack. I'm going to be replacing my pump and lines this time too and upgrading my p/s cooler as well. Hopefully this will be the last time I have to do this job.