Blown out Grease, Left Front Wheel

[Reconbomber]

I was under my 2003 G35 coupe today changing my oil when I noticed a lot of grease sprayed just behind the left front tire. Further inspection it appeared to come from the area where there is a corrugated boot over a linkage which I'm guessing is the linkage from the steering arm.

Any ideas where the grease may have blow out from? Has anyone else seen this happen?

Here's a few pictures of the problem area...http://us.f13.yahoofs.com/bc/4...g8v5qh ... /4...MwghB

[joe603]

First, welcome to NICO!

I got an error with your pics...I haven't heard about this on a G...

[Reconbomber]

I went to Infiniti today and had them see what the problem was. They told me that the rack and pinion assembly had blown a seal and has lost all the grease inside.

Here's the part when I fell over... They told me that infiniti will only replace the entire assembly which costs $1400 and the labor is $400.

I told them to have a nice day and to not touch the car...Being that I have never replaced steering components, but I have replaced suspension components and that was a pain. I'm wondering if anyone has replaced the pinion assembly without replacing the rest of the steering assembly. If so I'm going to attempt to do it myself... $1800 is a bit hard to accept.

[joe603]

That sucks man...We do have a few guys who are Infiniti techs...I'm sure he can answer your question!

Here is his info: http://forums.g35club.org/zero...03702

[SteveTheTech]

Hey there and Welcome,

That sucks that your rack seal failed. When a seal fails it is usually due to play in the rack, and more extensive damage than a seal and rack boot. The part is expensive and not a fun job with experience,the right tools, and a lift. Steering components are a basic safety item and if you do not have the skill I would not recommend taking on this challenge. Remember that you only get one chance to get this repair right or you may endanger yourself and your passengers.

IMO $400 in labor is not too bad if that includes the alignment and the new power steering fluid. It's less than four hours labor in most dealers.

[Omegamerc]

Quick question did you call other infiniti dealerships to see if they' just replace that part vs doing the entire job? Some dealerships are stealerships if you get my drift.

edit: and you just reminded me i found my front right boot busted today, time to call in warranty!

[Sentientbydesign]

Like Steve said, you probably have more than one issue here.

I would look into a rebuilt rack and pinion assembly if you can find one. The $400 in labor isn't too bad, but the item itself is a killer.

Here's another option. Give the Infinit of Thousand Oak's Parts department a call and ask them how much the parts are. You'll be surprised that they usually charge you less for the parts than their service department does.

Also, call up Riverside Infiniti. Tony in their parts department is a really awesome guy (friend of mine). He might be able to shave a little off for you. It's a bit of a drive to Riverside, but it might be worth the money.