So, the car is getting old. Here is another problem: power steering fluid leaks. 2 diff. mechanics told me it needs power steering rack. Too big of an expense for me right now. Was told meanwhile to just keep putting fluid in. Oddly, sometimes I am filling every other day it seems, and then it goes through long periods of not needing more at all. Don't understand. Could it be some other problem? Am I causing damage driving it this way? Thanks. mm

There's only so many places it can leak, and most of them are fairly obvious. The only "hidden" leak is in the rack itself, where the boots will fill up for a while until the fluid eventually finds a way to escape.

Checking the level every day gets old fast. And if you run the pump dry you run the risk of destroying that too. Also, there's nothing to say a seal won't fail completely one day and drain the pump in minutes instead of days.

If you depend on this car to get you around I wouldn't put of a repair like this for too long. A rebuilt rack can be had for around $350CDN, and I'd rate the experience/difficulty level to replace it yourself a 3 out of 5. The hardest part will be the lower u-joint on the steering column. Factor in the cost of an alignment afterwards as well.

Good luck.

Power steering leaks come in several "sizes". Maybe it's the rack, maybe it's a hose or a connection.

While replacing the rack is a big job, it can be a DIY job. I chose to take my 1988 244 to a trusted mechanic. Cost was $850, rebuilt rack, included new tie rod ends and boots and alignment.

During the drive to the shop, 15 miles +/- I used up 2 quarts of ATF. Some months before that, the leak was a quart in several months. Rapid escalation. You may be headed the same way.

My 1986 244 has a p/s leak, which I believe to be in the high pressure hose or its connection to the rack. Haven't looked. Been "feeding" the leat 2 years, and it's gradually getting worse. Just use for nearby errands, not to go to work.

Carry two quart containers on ATF in front, tucked in just in front of the battery, Don't let the container rest on the a/c hose. Carry a few more quarts in the trunk. I get them at AutoZone Dexron Mercon III, house brand, $1.49 a quart (just up from $1.29/qt.) .

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)