rack and pinion leak?? any help please

how serious is this?? I know there is fluid leaking but can I drive it?? I am pretty good when it comes to cars...I have had a tire blow on an overpass and remained very calm....I took to a mec. and he said to drop it off at 8:30....I just don't want to replace something if I don't have to....also the estimator says between 500 and 1,200...I don't have that kind of money!!!!

I can't see the issue so it's hard to say. Ask your mechanic who can inspect it.

Thank you.

Any time.

Alright I got my car back and this is the Diagnosis: It needs an Intermediate Shaft, It needs a Rack and Pinion and Front Struts, All need to be replaced....Guess what the damage is? 1,623.60 that's with parts and labor....Yay! Thankfully none of it is a safety issue...At least that's what he said....Thank you guys for your help....Jenn