2006 M35 - Leaking Rack & Pinion

[hsingh2088]

Hey guys, I recently made a visit to Infiniti and had a diagnostics done on my car. Sad to say, it's very sobering news. They detected a power steering fluid leak coming out of the rack and pinon of the car. It was located off of a joint of some kind. The funny thing is, I have not had any issues with my power steering; nor, has the light come on. To replace the rack and pinion would cost nearly $3,000, which is a really high cost. I was wondering if this leak is a big deal, mostly because my other mechanic hasn't detected it, no light has come on and also because I haven't had any issues with the steering at all. What are your thoughts? Anyone else had a similar issue?

[atlM35]

It's difficult to say without knowing where the leak is coming from. Sometimes you can get away with topping off the fluid every so often. Then there are those situations where it's like a ticking time bomb and once the leak suddenly gets bad, you could lose all steering going down the interstate.

[thatdudesurya]

I had the same issue, now a days, dealers are leaving oil on your engine splash/dust guard just so you notice a leak. As long as your steering isn't aggressive, sticky, or making a noise upon every turn it shouldn't be the rack and pinion. Aggressive as in, its tough to steer, and sticky as in, when you turn, the steering wheel stays in that position until you manually turn it back to normal.

Try taking it to a few more places that do a inspection/diagnostic.

Goodluck

[hsingh2088]

It kind of is sticky, but it's not hard to turn it back to normal. I plan on asking my mechanic next time I see him.

[thatdudesurya]

You'll know when its going bad, the steering will be harder than normally. When you go to mechanics, don't let them know its a rack and pinion, because you automatically turn into walking money. See if they find it themselves. Also, have you personally saw a leak?

[atlM35]

I had the same issue, now a days, dealers are leaving oil on your engine splash/dust guard just so you notice a leak. As long as your steering isn't aggressive, sticky, or making a noise upon every turn it shouldn't be the rack and pinion. Aggressive as in, its tough to steer, and sticky as in, when you turn, the steering wheel stays in that position until you manually turn it back to normal.

Try taking it to a few more places that do a inspection/diagnostic.

Goodluck

Good point. You could tell if it was power steering fluid by the color.

[sin1505]

Sorry for reviving dead thread, but I was told the same thing for my m35 today. Apparently my Rack & Pinion has a leak. I got quoted 1580+tax (Infiniti Dealer)
Did you end up getting it fixed? DId you go to another shop? What sucks is I just finished clearing all of my school fees for this term... ahh here we go again with the overtime! lol

[lovemycarM35]

according to the deal I had the same issue I took my car in for a wheel bearing issue and the claim my steering rack was leaking lucky I had some warranty left I paid only 100 bucks they replace a my rack and wheel bearing this was about a year ago cars been running mint although I don't drive it during winter months

[hsingh2088]

Sorry for reviving dead thread, but I was told the same thing for my m35 today. Apparently my Rack & Pinion has a leak. I got quoted 1580+tax (Infiniti Dealer)
Did you end up getting it fixed? DId you go to another shop? What sucks is I just finished clearing all of my school fees for this term... ahh here we go again with the overtime! lol

I owned the car for a year now and the steering is perfectly fine. There have been no deviations from when I drove it off the lot. I don't plan on fixing this until I start feeling the symptoms of a wheel being harder to turn etc.

I honestly think that Infiniti is just trying to drum up some additional business for a minor issue. If you keep topping up your steering fluid, you should be fine.

[EniGmA1987]

Seems like every year since I have been on this forums I see 1-2 new people posting about a rack and pinion issue with the cars...

[sin1505]

Thanks for replies,

I have not have had any problems with my steering but I can hear a whining noise sometimes when i turn my steering.
Ill probably wait a while to see if it really is a necessary fiz - maybe by summer leak will get worst?

[svard75]

If your rack is leaking then topping up the reservoir is a cheaper alternative. The steering rack contains several I-ring seals which over time wear to the point where small quantities of fluid will seep past the end seals and fill the dust boots. Just keep monitoring the fluid level from time to time and refill as needed.
Eventually the seals can burst and the dust boot too but at that point you will see the puddle under the car. Even then your rack will continue to function without power assist but don't leave it for too long because it could rust, overheat and break.

[Pashdut]

Reviving this from the dead again. I was just told that my 06' also has a Steering Rack and Pinion leak by the dealer. Wants to charge $2500. It steers perfectly fine and don't see any leaks under the car.

[jiggersplat]

Yeah, mine's leaking too. Add fluid if it's just a slow leak. Rebuilt steering racks are availbe for $200-300.

[DS2009m35x]

I had the same issue at approx 110k 2009 M35X. Groaning when turning right. Dealer said a leaking rack. Dealer mechanic (very trustworthy) said to just top off the fluid to avoid the high repair cost. I put up with it for a year then jumped. Topping off the fluid didn't help. I also had the usual tramlining issue so I was hoping a new rack would help. I sprung for a new rack with the updated rack PN. Since "I'm a good customer" per the dealer, Mgmt worked with me. $2200 out the door (remember you can always negotiate). No more rack groaning. Surprisingly I didn't notice any difference in the tramlining. Still overall I think it was worth it as I always get at least 200k from my cars.

[jiggersplat]

In my experience tram lining is usually your tires.

[nemo1]

I too have this same issue in my 08 M35x with 100k miles. quoted about $1500 to repair. I was told that there are no after market parts and must go to infiniti. is that true? also, i see no visible signs of leaks just that i was told that the "gaskets" or seals were damp? Since i am currently debating whether to sell/trade to an SUV can someone tell me whether fixing this potential problem will eventually lead to other problems once they start to pull parts to replace the leaking seals or is this pretty straight forward just takes some time? I posted on a different thread as well since i had not seen this one so sorry for the duplicate post. thanks

[chairmankaga]

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2007/i ... _rack.html
It's probably a 4-5 hour job at a shop. Unless you're experienced installing racks I'd take it in. Very easy to damage the steering column splines.

[16volt]

Wow, lots of misinformation here.

1. Just 'topping it off' is bad advice, penny wise, pound foolish. If the rack is leaking then the system is contaminated. How do you feel about also paying for a new power steering pump when you overheat it?
2. This is a critical component when it comes to control of your car. Really, you just want to ignore it? I mean, who needs to steer anyway.
a. Yes, you can leave it but is waiting for a failure a good idea?
3. No dealership is 'dripping oil' on you car to fake a leak. Seriously, that's hilarious.

[sin1505]

I ended up buying a rebuilt Rack & Pinion since the leak was getting worst.
Car hasn't driven the same since.
I went to a highly recommended mechanic and was charged 800$ for the job.

[nemo1]

Thanks everyone for the advice. i agree this is something that if i determine to keep the vehicle, i will repair. My plan (if i keep the M) is to provide the M to my son when he turns 16 in about 2 years. I was really interested in impact on what to expect post replacement (realizing each car will be different). on a side note, i checked my maintenance records and forgot that i had the steering fluid replaced about 5k miles ago (earlier this year). no mention of a leak. will probably take to the dealership and have them look.

thanks again everyone.

[Shekhar]

Bought recently, 147k miles (records show all services at dealer until 130k Miles), with the previous owner’s new mechanic informing I will need valve cover gaskets for oil leak.
I removed the underside plastic guards, to find there was no leak on underside from engine ( dusty, but dry). The transmission case was pristine too, gasket was dry, no leaks, but found a lot of oily gunk on the guard under transmission. Also found considerable oil (brown black) on and around the driver side rack & pinion boot!. Cleaned the underside and plastic guard it with degreaser and washed with water. No apparent damage - boot seems to be ok. Steering fluid level (I was anticipating a drop in level) was on the dot perfect.
There are no issues in driving or steering (24.2 mpg in last 700 Miles - 80% hwy) and so decided to wait and watch for any leaks in near future. Please let me know if I need to be aware of any other signs. Thank you.