Power steering leak

[tercel4wdrules]

I noticed today after my 115 mile trip home that I found a puddle of ATF from the power steering under the car. It seems to be losing a bit of fluid quite frequently. Are there any additives that could possibly help meanwhile I replace the rack? I noticed there are a few, but they don't mention if they can be used with systems that use ATF.

[takza]

You need to wipe off the wet areas and find out where it's coming from...if you are lucky it's just the return hose...not the high pressure one...could even be a hose clamp loose. Check the pump seal and the rack seals?

If it's the seals in the rack..I've heard that Lucas PS additive will help...but haven't tried it.

[4wdchico]

If it is the rack leaking, just take the p/s belt off until you can change the rack. it will leak a lot slower without pressure on it.

[tercel4wdrules]

Well, I called up Lucas and they confirmed that I could use the power steering leak stop in the ATF system. So I went to my local Kragen and bought a bottle of this stuff. I topped off the fluid with it and so far it seems to have significantly slowed down the leakage. We'll see what happens. I figured out that I can have the rack rebuilt for $80 at a local rack & pinion shop, significantly less than buying a remanufactured rack.