91 Camry LE: Can I repair a leaking rack and pinion steering

I have a 91 Camry LE with 180k miles on it. I noticed recently that it was leaking oil. To investigate, I crawled under the car today and found leaking from the area of the passenger side boot of the rack and pinion steering assembly. With 180 k miles on it, I am not surprised that the assembly might have a seal leak. My question is.... Can I fix the seal on this thing or should I buy a rebuilt unit from my auto supply store? I would appreciate thoughts about this.

If they have oem seal kits and you have special tools - i'd fix it.

Either way you still have to pull the rack out.And unless you have rebuilt a rack before or are aware of how it should be done,your best bet would be to just purchase a remanufactured one.

I have been told that this is an exercise in futility. Someone who knows better please correct me.

The story I am fed is that it is not just the seals that go, but there may be wear on the metal parts which prevent this from being a long term fix.

I read some processes for rebuilding these units, and to do it correctly involved resurfacing the involved metal bits as well as replacing the seals.

I have personally tried rebuilding powersteering pumps which had leaks past the shaft seal and found it to be not worth the time involved. I know it isnt the same thing.

The best thing you can do is replace it with a long rack assembly which includes new tie rods and inner sockets which are undoubtedly worn at 180k. A bad seal in a rack is usually accompanied by a scored rack cylinder which requires sleeving to repair properly.

First try this Slide rak end boots back Notice the lock ring on the rak Squeezing thee teflon bushes and holding it all together Take an old Keystone scredriver (flathead) and righty tighty about a 1/2 to 3/4 or better turn Now start car W boots still slid back now back under car have extra person turn wheel to and fro gently look too see if the seals are still dripping or squirting fluid Lotta times this holds it for a good looong time TomD W over 300K on this chassis