i have a 2002 neon 122K miles and I'm replacing a bunch of parts on it....I took the boot off the tie rod on right side and noticed some fluid in it....is this a sign of a bad rack and pinion? If so is there any kind of stop leak I can add to it to prolonged me changing it?
is this a sign of a bad rack and pinion?
Yes, you have a leaky seal in there. Not surprising on any 22-year-old car, let alone a Neon which was not designed with longevity in mind.
If so is there any kind of stop leak I can add to it to prolonged me changing it?
Scotty recommends ATP AT-205 "Re-Seal". However it will not work if the seal is physically worn out, cracked, or otherwise damaged; only if it is hardened and slightly shrunken. If you try the stuff be sure to only use the amount that is appropriate for your power steering system, not the entire bottle.
@chucktobias I have the tie rods off and the area exposed... could I rub a thin layer of ultra black gasket sealer in the area that doesn't move to maybe seal it
could I rub a thin layer of ultra black gasket sealer in the area that doesn't move to maybe seal it
No. If something like ATP AT-205 doesn't work the only other options are to live with the leak or replace the rack.