Steering rack major leak
 

Hi all hope you’re well. I bought myself a low mileage 75 (30k miles) about 7 months ago and have had no issues at all. Today however I lost all power steering, on inspection I noticed the reservoir empty and looking underneath the fluid has been pushed out of the rack and gaiters on the inner arms. As it’s dark I’ve not done anymore investigations but I’m curious if anyone else has had similar issues? It’s as if some kind of pressure has built in the system but I didn’t think this was possible. Many thanks in advance for any help. Mike

Very unusual for a leak to occur there, are you sure it’s not a pipe that has rubbed through as we have seen that happen a few times.

That’s what I thought but both sides are definitely leaking out from the rack bellows, further investigation in the light I think, I’m just hoping it’s not the rack but I suppose anything can fail at any mileage. Thanks for the reply

Its not a terrible job to swap the rack if it does turn out to be leaking.

I would first top up the system and check again for leaks
In the end of the steering rack there are oil seals ,not often but they have been known to pass oil and fill up the gaiter. eventually when the gaiter is full they will leak oil . This may have taken a while to happen but having it happen at both sides may add another issue into the mix. Has your power steering had the right fluid in as the rover uses automatic transmission fluid (Dexion ATF 111) which is usually red in colour rather than a generic power steering fluid which wont be compatible . Using the wrong fluid could damage, eat into the seals ,making them leak . Also the power steering pump has a relief valve built in to protect the system at a set pressure , If this fails which is unlikely as it is usually just a ball and spring it could over pressure the system . You can usually hear the pump passing oil across the relief by pulling the steering wheel hard into lock with the car idling. The pump will either moan or more likely hiss while you are pulling the wheel hard into lock and will stop when you let the steering wheel go . As for the rack gaiters I would remove the clip on the rack drain them and check again for fluid passing into them
Doing the above tests may help you identify your problem better but suspect if your rack end seals passing your going to end up changing the rack

I would recommend replacement with a good, used item - the refurbished racks out there seem to be quite poor in terms of quality (took 3 attempts to get a good one for my ZT!)

You can then swap the inner tie rods yourself before fitting:
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/rov...-steering-rack

Good luck :)