I have a 2003 Tribute with 64,000 miles. Sunday I get in the car and bam the power steering is not working. The dealer tells me the power steering rack needs replacing for a cost of $1700. His explaination was the steering fluid was leaking (I park in my garage, and have never seen anything leaking) thus causing metal shaving in the fluid, and requiring the Rack to need replacing. How could this happen, one day it is fine then nothing. no leaks, no other problems. I have loved this car but is this a sight of what the future will look like. How do I know this is true, how do I know it needs replaciing, how do I know it is not a manufactoring problem?

pat

 

If you know of another reputable shop, it would be best to get a second opinion. The power steering fluid is not something that gets consumed over time without a leak. It is normal to see minor metal flakes in the fluid. If the fluid is full and the belt is turning, the only possible malfunction I could think of is a spool valve being stuck or the shaft that enters the pump behind the pulley is broken internally. It would be impossible to make any more presumptions without seeing it.