pentosin leaks/dying steering rack

[William Allison lll <wallison@bbn.com>]

86 5kcs, 178K miles.  My family has owned the car since Pop had it
delivered from Germany.  Recently, this car that I drove to High school
Prom!, was donated to me.  But just before this, Pop hit a side barrier on
an exit ramp, right near the driverside front door joint/firewall area.
Minor exterior damage, but he had a to get a new rim.  I am suspecting that
the steering rack may have been damaged because of the odd, popping,
noises that come from driverside firewall.  

This morning, upon start up the brake warning light and chime (3 times)
come on.  Check the steering fluid resevoir (not full, below min)...head
over to my GREAT mechanic and he whips out the pentosin, fills it up,
restart-checks OK-family gets a safe drive to work.   

There seems to be fresh pentosin leaks from a couple steering system hose
joints.  The hydralic pump connections are tight, but the joints near the
resevoir are leaky.  Does this indicate steering rack damage?  Could the
rack be damaged internally from Pops guard rail smack and cause excessive
back pressure in they steering system causing these leaks?  How much is a
rebuilt rack? Installed?  

TIA,
Bill
Ashland, MA