Ford Repair: 1994 taurus, power steering pump, rack and pinion

Question
hi  i have a 94 taurus with 25K original miles.  i was just told i need rack/pinion and power steering pump.  Cost $1100.00.  I can see things drying up/out...seals, gaskets etc., but how can this be with 25K miles on it?  Steering is fine until you drive for 1/2 hour, then it becomes very noisy.  Please help me...i dont have $1000.00.  Thanks for a quick response.   Pat

Answer
I do understand your frustration, however with a car that old, sitting around and being used too much, seals and such gets dried out and it start to leak.  As for the diagnosis, they are correct.  The reason for steering noise after 1/2hr, that is due to the pump running out oil and power steering demand is applied, hence the noises.

As for the rack and pinion, I am not sure why this is needed.  I would start with the steering pump, before I the rack and pinion.