2003 Mustang GT power steering fluid leak

The leak is coming from the tie rod boot. Before it gets taken in, what can the problem be and what can it not be?

If it’s only coming from the tie rod boot, it’s almost certainly the steering rack that’s leaking, with an outside chance that it’s just a union where the pipe joins on, but you’d probably see fluid around that area if it was.
Can’t speak for elsewhere, but in UK it’s become very rare, almost impossible to get a steering rack overhauled for less than the price of a new/reconditioned one, and along with the way most manufacturers seem to be designing them to be one of the first parts fitted to a shell, I’m afraid you could be looking at a sizeable bill.
I’d take it to a mechanic you trust, if you don’t know one, ask friends or family who they trust because an unscrupulous trader may well see this as a perfect opportunity to fleece you.
I’ve not worked on a new muzzy, but racks are pretty well known for being a pig of a job on newer rwd cars. Did one on a range rover a couple of months ago which required the engine being held on a hoist while we dropped the subframe to make enough room to remove it, took over a day just to get the old unit out!

If it’s leaking from the bellows, it’s the rack. Power steering racks are not serviced in the field; the standard repair is replacement with a rebuilt unit. I’d expect it to be in the 600-700 range.

If it’s not leaking too badly, you can nurse it along by checking and topping up the power steering fluid as needed. If you’re careful to not let it get too low, the only harm done is the mess from the leak. It might go for months or even years before the leak is fast enough to compel the repair. Be aware, though, that letting the pump run dry (it’ll make noise) can do in the pump.

In the old days, it was a simple sporting proposition with British vehicles: the factory got the part onto the car, now let’s see if you can figure out how to get it off. Rover has warped that premise into “you’ll be sorry you even tried to get it off.” :stuck_out_tongue: