power steering leak from rack and pinion

I have a tbird rack & pinion on my 46 ford and it is leaking under the rubber boot thingy on the passenger side. The metal band holding the rubber boot on is not removeable without cutting it so I can't really see where the leak is coming from. I have saginaw pump and a fancy adjustable valve from Heidts to control/reduce the pressure . Do I need a new rack, or is it something I can adjust, tighten or repair?

 

I have on occasion solved this problem by using Lucas power steering fluid with stop leak. It is also great at eliminating 'hard' spots in old rack and pinions. $8 is a cheap way to go if it works.

 

Sounds like the rack seal is pooched letting oil into the bellows, the stop leak may be a cheap but none permanent fix but as dolittle says might be worth trying otherwise new rack time.

 

Try the ZLucas. Did that on a rice rocket car and fixed it.

 

Tried the "guaranteed to stop leak" Lucas on my MII rack in the 55 ford panel... seals were too far gone. It has one side extended, so I pulled it out and had it rebuilt. If your's has extensions and not stock length, you'll have to set up another if you exchange the core for a rebuilt. Better to rebuild the one you have, it fits, steering shaft fits, etc.

 

seals are bad so it's time for a rebuild. you can do yourself if you can obtain the parts.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. I tried the ZLucas and unfortunately it didn't help.
I bought the rack almost 4 years ago an it sat with no fluid for probably the first 2 years as I mocked everything up, so I guess the seals dried out.
New rack is $99 with the core charge at NAPA. Once this is fixed I can finally get it inspected and on the road.

 

Spend the bucks and get on the road.