Okay. So stop gap measure is to do some stop leak? If it doesn't help, than a bad rack is still bad. If it works, then I buy myself some time (hopefully a lot).VStar650CL wrote: ↑Fri Mar 12, 2021 9:40 amYah, that's a bad end seal on the rack. It's an invisible leak until enough fluid builds up in the boot to pop it.
Yah, stop-leak will probably slow it down but I wouldn't bother fixing the boot, you may just explode the new one.Ilya wrote: ↑Fri Mar 12, 2021 9:44 amOkay. So stop gap measure is to do some stop leak? If it doesn't help, than a bad rack is still bad. If it works, then I buy myself some time (hopefully a lot).
If that is the case, I likely won't do the tie rods or bellow kits until the time comes to replace the rack, but will still do the stabilizer links since those are 10 minute jobs for each side.
Yeah, I already told me wife like a month ago I'd likely be needing a rack when I couldn't find the general area of the leak so I was already gearing up for having that replaced. Problem is for the first time in my life, I'll be relying on mechanics to do stuff like that as I won't have access to my families shop here in NY. In FL, I'll just be doing basic maintenance like brakes, filters, etc. A rack and pinion isn't something I'd be tackling in an ill-equipped garage.EdBwoy wrote: ↑Fri Mar 12, 2021 10:11 amI think all the components you've ordered are nice-to-dos, but I would personally focus on addressing the leaking rack first. Rebuilt units can be had cheaply.
While replacing the rack, you might find that certain section of the tie rods have seized and can't be separated to be reused... or they can be, but are in horrible shape and you would rather not reuse them - and that's when you rejoice for having replacement parts on hand.
I am not a fan of the solution-in-a-bottle type of fixes, but I understand that sometimes the options are limited.
Yeah, sounds like rack is the way to go. I actually returned the tie rod ends (got them via Amazon) and will re-acquire when it's time to do them and will be looking for a new rack once I get to Tampa. I did get 2 bottles of Nissan fluid though for the trip so I should be good.PapaSmurf2k3 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 17, 2021 5:37 pm+1. Replace the rack. It should come with new bellows anyway. You've already ordered the tie rod ends, so knock them out at the same time.
If you can't get that done before you leave, just pack some extra PS fluid, or use your big manly biceps to drive without power steering.
I recommend changing it all and leaving your trash in NY though. Eff 'em.
How was your move to Fla? Hope you and your family are settling in.
Correct, it needs to be bled properly.
Ilya, I'm curious. I know you mentioned Infiniti of Tampa earlier on, but ended up at the Nissan dealership. What happened, was their quote to do the entire job significantly higher?Ilya wrote: ↑Mon Apr 12, 2021 3:39 pmSo, got my car back from the Nissan dealer after getting the rack replaced ('11 M56x) and some other work.
- Replaced rack + alignment
- Front Diff Fluid Change
- Trans Fluid Change
- Coolant Fluid Change
- Re-balance tires because Firestone's balance sucked
Total: $2,883
...
This thing: