90 Q45's power steering fluid leaking

[gordonq45]

Recently I realize there is leak from the car, 90 Q45. I checked the car and found that boot of linkage on driver side is broken and power sterring fluid leaks from there. The leaking is very bed. I went to a shop and been told that the entire linkage line need to be replaced. Q1: Does linkage needs to be replaced?Q2: If so, where can I get lower price parts and what is the cost?Q3: Is it a DIY job?Q4: If it is not DIY job, how much it could cost to fix it?

Thanks,

Gordon

[Q45tech]

If you are saying the rack is leaking from the rack boot, yes you need a new [remanned] rack and new rack mount bushings........4 hours and an alignmemt ~~ $350-$400 plus the rack cost [ $300-$1,000] depending on grade/quality of remanned unit you chose. The old rack will need to be surrendered as a core charge.

If the rack leaks it means the fluid was rarely [if ever] changed/flushed. and the hoses may we worn out also

[Jesda]

Dennis:

My rack leaks from the boot as well. Can I get away with it just be resealed? Its only leaking fluid when the wheel is all the way left or right, so I keep a couple bottles of PS fluid handy.

-Jesda

[gordonq45]

Is there a way to reseal it without replacing the rack? If I have to replace it, where is the place to look for part?

Thanks,

[hansQ45]

How difficult is a power steering fluid flush/change to do? What is involved in doing it? How much fluid do you need to flush it?

I haven't had my 1996 Q45 very long (less than 2 months) and I doubt the previous owner ever flushed/changed the power steering fluid.

I probably need to do this to avoid future problems with my car like Gordon and Jesda are experiencing.

Thanks!

[maxnix]

Very easy with the Sun machine that SnapOn sells to perform a mechanical fluid extraction and replacement. It will require about 1 gal. This is if your fluid is not too far gone.

If it is brown or worse, than a flush connecting to the hoses will have to be performed, which is a little more labor intensive.

Quite a few previous posts on it. I'll have to check my rides to see if the picture of the Sun machine is still there.

[Q45tech]

Never machine flushed mine in 15 years [269k] just used turkey baster [20 times over the years] and lots [what a few quarts per year] of ATF and chemicals [BG PS conditioner].Same rack, same pump, same high pressure hoses...........obviously I've replaced the rack dust boots [and rack mounting bushings] a few times as they cracked and rotted but I look at [and feel] them every 90 days so dirt exposure is minimal.

Clean fresh fluid every year is the solution.There really isn't any metal [wear] to comtaminate the fluid just over heat oxidization [why it changes color towards brown then black] and some rubber particles from inside hoses and seals. The pump is almost bullet proof unless you run it dry by not fixing hose leaks.

Member need to get in the habit of 90 day at dealer oil changes and hopefully a free expert look over to catch things..........you don't have to let them fix them just ocassionally a complete write up so you can find alternatives.

[maxnix]

Member need to get in the habit of 90 day at dealer oil changes and hopefully a free expert look over to catch things..........you don't have to let them fix them just ocassionally a complete write up so you can find alternatives.

When I supply oil and filters, dealer is generally the cheapest place for a change, and it will be done right. With a free inspection, what could be better?

While I prefer to leave the turkey basters for Thanksgiving, Dennis is absolutely correct that plenty of fresh fluid is always the best in any mechanism that requires it. Why wait for it to break?

[Jesda]

...so can the rack be resealed or must it be replaced?

[Q45tech]

MOST Remanned racks are just resealed worn racks, cleaned and repainted with new low quality dust boots. The on center lash/play is never checked. They use the old pressure solenoid which you must transfer!

Only something like a $1,000 dealer rack will be remanned to as new because the internal wear parts are so expensive.

The micropolished pinion gear or the rack gear are over $300 each, inner tie rods, outer tie rods.

Every large city has someone who supplies the independent shops with resealed racks and CV joints and the like..........under $200 delivered with your core [after you transfer the solenoid].

[hansQ45]

Thanks for the info. I'll try to find a local shop that has the Sun Machine for the flush. Once I get that done I'll try the turkey baster to maintain it.

I live in Southern Maryland and there aren't any Infiniti dealers close by. I think the closest is in Washington, D.C which is about an hour away.

I really like the Q45 and want to do as much preventative maintainance as possible so it will last.

Thanks again!

[maxnix]

Good attitude! Just rustle down a SnapOn jobber and he will know who in his area has one and he might even recommend a particular shop.

[psychic_mechanic]

I resealed mine, and it's a pain in the ***, definately worth the cash for a "remanned" unit from a parts supplier if that's the route you want to go.

[gordonq45]

Thanks for everyone,

I'll keep adding fluid to the car for a while and look for a shop to do the repair. It sounds it is not an easy job.

Gordon

[psychic_mechanic]

Where in southern MD?

I grew up in California, MD. Look for all the cars at the foot of the bridge that goes to Solomons, that was where I grew up. It looks like a junkyard, but it's a shop that does lots of custom work.