Power Steering boot busted...=[

[driftedtofu]

My power steering boot is busted and leaking power steering fluid everywhere. Any one got any ideas on replacement?

[OutToWinPAHC]

The bollow's boot is there to keep dust, and dirt from getting into the rack seal. Dirt and dust wear the seal down and causing it to leak.

If your boot is cracker or torn and fluid is coming out of it you don't need a boot. You need a steering rack.

Parts stores sell bellows boots, I got mine from autozone for like 8 bucks each.

[rico05]

^ Spell check much?

But yes, if you have fluid leaking out, one of the rack's end seals is gone. You can try some Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak and a new boot/bellow but I would wager that you need a new rack. Not cheap either.

[driftedtofu]

Thanks for the diagnostics..but boo for the whole steering rack replacement.

How long do you think I can drive on that thing?

When I go to replace it, should I put in new power steering fluid as well?

[DanThaMan]

yes, always use new fluid in a new rack, might as well flush the pump and reservoir while your at it.

[mattblancarte]

Instead of replacing the whole thing, you could just have the core rebuilt. That will save you a ton of money. It should only be $200-300.

Yeah, replace all of the fluids. Don't be lazy lol.

[driftedtofu]

yes, always use new fluid in a new rack, might as well flush the pump and reservoir while your at it.

What would you flush the pump with and what does that exactly entail?

Does anyone know if that power steering sealant really works? Its 10 bucks as apposed to 240 pre core charge. Im thinking of doing that and replacing the boot.

[mattblancarte]

Nope, it will not be a long term solution.

[maj Andres]

What would you flush the pump with and what does that exactly entail?

- Jack up the car- Unattach the power steering return hose that is going to your PS reservoir.- Plug up the reservoir where you just took the hose out from.- Put the loose hose in an empty container. (gallon of milk)- Have somebody turn on the car and turn the wheel from side to side barely touching to where it stops, as you continue adding fluid.- Stop the car once you see clean fluid going into the container.- Connect the hose back up tot he reservoir and top it off.(will get a little messy here). Make sure there are no airbubbles in the system by continuing to turn the wheels till no bubbles show up at the reservoir.

When replacing that boot, remember how many turns it took you to take out the tie rod! or count the threads that are on there before you take it out. Or else your front will be misaligned. GL

[hbpignosePA]

How long do you think I can drive on that thing?

technically you can drive as long as you want. just run a delete PS from your car. Yes it will be harder to turn, yea its not a good idea but you can do it.

mine leaks as decribed

meh

[OutToWinPAHC]

technically you can drive as long as you want. just run a delete PS from your car. Yes it will be harder to turn, yea its not a good idea but you can do it.

mine leaks as decribed

meh

I wouldn't do this though, even with the PS disconnected your not supposted to run the rack dry. Since its leaking its going to leak out, if your on a budget go to the junkyard and pull a rack. Just make sure its not leaking from the bellows.

[rico05]

I had my rack rebuilt. Still leaked. I lucked out and bought a brand new Cardone rack for $168 shipped off eBay. Just replace the rack with a new one as you can replace it.

[hbpignosePA]

idk mine will leave a silver dollar sized puddle every couple of months

but i fill it back up and its fine. never feels like its going out so i dont really worry about it.

one of these days ill get it rebuilt

[driftedtofu]

I had my rack rebuilt. Still leaked. I lucked out and bought a brand new Cardone rack for $168 shipped off eBay. Just replace the rack with a new one as you can replace it.

Brand new or rebuilt?

Hows that holding up for you?

[duffman1278]

Just get it rebuilt!

If you try to cheap out by putting all these little quick fix sealants it won't last you that long.

I had mine rebuilt and I've yet to have a problem with it.

More than likely his was NOT new and was instead a reman.

A rebuilt one should not be leaking or have any problems, assuming the shop doing it knows what they're doing.

[driftedtofu]

Yeah I'm thinking that as well. How much do shops usually charge to get it rebuilt?