1990 4.0 leaking seal where the steering colume goes into rack. should i get a new one or can these be fixed lots of play.if you can fix them is there anything i should know about.i never did it before thats why im asking. please explain the bleeding procedure thanks.

 

Sounds like the upper input shaft seal is leaking. Removal of the rack is required and is the most difficult with the AWD version. Non AWD are "easier" but no picnic. You can purchase a kit to rebuild for around $45-50 or purchase a rebuilt unit for around $90. New bellows are included with the rebuilt rack and must be purchased in additon to the rebuild kit, so the cost is nearly the same, plus the time savings. The steering rack "self bleeds" by turning the steering wheel from lock to lock several times after installation. If the leak is minor, you may want to try using some power steering fluid with a sealer first. Don't overfill the system or you will create a bigger leak. Suck out as much fluid as you can from the reservoir before adding the new fluid/sealer. If it still leaks after two weeks, then further fluid/sealer will be useless and replacement/rebuild will be necessary.

There is also a good article on steering racks from the rebuilders perspective on another site. I have to jump off now or else I would find the link for you. Do a search on the Aerostar forum. It was referenced around 2-3 months ago, if memory serves.