Looking at buying a 2004 freestar stating steering leaks from rack quoted 1200$ to fix is this something I can do myself

just tighten the bolt or change the copper washers first two of them.

are the pipes on the right way around as never seen this before to be honest so either a blockage in the pump outlet or the pump has failed but i have never seen this before as when the pump fails is just doesnt pressurise

I'm going to agree with the rack conclusion. Keep in mind I can't see it for myself.
If you take the load off the front wheels, you should be able to turn the steering wheel without effort.
If the effort changes while turning the wheel, the only things affected would be the rack and the column.
If you notice it turns ok with the engine off but not with the engine running, it could be something with the pump or one of the lines, or still something with the rack.

Very rarely does the steering column go.....It sounds like you have a power steering fluid leak somewhere or the rack and pinion went bad. Go to a small garage and have them look at it if you can't. But, don't tell them what the Dealer said! They just might confirm it and give you a better deal than the Dealer!!! Tell them you don't have alot of money and just let them find the problem...You will probably be surprised about the diagnosis this time. It might be something alot more simple to fix....and cheaper too! I sincerely hope that this was helpful for you. Take care and God bless.

Bryon

You first need to find where the fluid is leaking from.. Then you need to check the pump as running the pump with insufficient fluid will cause damage. Most likely, the fluid is leaking from the pressure hose, somewhere between the pump and the rack although the rack could also be leaking. Look around for a buildup of moisture or wet mud and dirt. Have a look under the car for oil dripping when you have the engine running and someone turning the steering. It may be that the rack and the pump have failed due to lack of fluid..

could be a leak in the pressure hose,could be the return hose leaking,could be the gearbox leaking,i'd get under it with the engine running and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth and see where it leaks from, if the pressure line is leaking its about 25 to 30 bucks for a new hose,

yeah if you ran it gry before its best to start fresh,replace the rack an pinion its all one piece the part should be any where from 150 to 220 labor ranging from 180 to 300 yout looking at anywhere from 500.00 up

You can buy a can of stop leak for power steering but I have had limited success using this. It would be the cheapest route to go to see if it will work.

HI:
The power steering system is very basic, consisting of the power steering pump/reservoir, the steering rack/pinion assembly, and the connecting hoses. To figure out where the leak is, you need to either get the van up on a lift, or degrease the entire engine and undercarriage, and then see where the general leakage is coming from. The most common fail is on the pressure hose, or out one of the ends of the rack/pinion unit. So, get it cleaned up, or have some eyes on it , and hopefully you will spot the drip!

Check your hoses around your power steering resevoir, you might have a pin hole leake in one of the hoses. Make sure to keep an eye on the fluid level. As long as you keep fluid in it you won't burn out the pump.