Well, the supplier I selected does not have the rack in stock.  On to
Plan B.

Question 1:  Does the PS fluid behind the 2 bolt plate get there because
the seal around the bottom of the pinion shaft fails and leaks or is PS
fluid supposed to get behind the plate by design and it leaks to the
outside because the 2 bolt plate does not have an effective seal?

Question 2:  Is this small cavity behind the plate vented to the return
PS line or will pressure build up here if PS fluid leaks from around the
pinion shaft?

Question 3:  What is the purpose of the steel washer under the 2 bolt
plate?  Is this a spacer to insure proper spring pressure on the end of
the pinion shaft, or is it the actual seal against fluid leakage?

I'm wondering if removing the steel washer, or using a smaller diameter
washer and sealing the plate to the housing with an O-ring would be
effective?

Maybe some of the list members with real experience could share some
knowledge or opinion here?

Thanks.