Power Steering leakage questions

[krewzn_along]

Looking for your advice on some power steering / leakage questions. I've searched the forum and don't see any threads like this.

Two different days in the last few months I noticed an unusual groan from the J30 when I stared driving and quickly traced it to steering movement especially while cold. Both times the fluid was low and bringing it up to level immediately eliminated the groaning. When it was low the second time I expected there must be a leak somewhere even though I have no drips while parked.

Today I was changing the oil so I looked around from under the car expecting to see a leaky hose to the PS pump or such. Everything looked clean and dry there. Then I noticed one of the boots on the steering rack (my terms my not be accurate here) was broken and what first looked like a partial tear turned out to be a full break once I turned the wheels at a sharp angle. Closer inspection also showed fluid building up on the bottom of the rod inside the boot where it slides in and out (of a seal I expect). This explains the loss of fluid. The other side is in a similar state. I also noticed a thin circular peice, similar to a washer, on the rod inside the boot that is free to slide along part of the rod - this really surprised me. While I can't tell where it should be fixed it certainly seems odd to have a piece that is free to slide. I just can't see any purpose for that.

Now for my barage of questions as I consider what to do:- What is the downside of just replacing the boots to prevent more dirt hurting the ps rack and adding fliud occasionally to maintain operation? It only needs topping off every couple months.- What about the PS fliuds that advertise stopping leaks? Are they bad for long-term use like radiator stop-leak or can they be effective without damage?- What is the repair to stop the leak? Is the rack re-buildable to install new seals? I've worked on many engines but never the steering. Is this a major job or what? At the age of these cars a wrecking-yard repalcement part may not be a good value.- Is this 'washer'-like ring that is free a problem?- What options have I missed?

This is a '97 with ~119K mi. I've owned it for just 10 months and bought it because it appeared to be very well cared for. The engine has had the timing belt, H20 pump, idler, cam seals, and cover seals replaced and runs very well. All maintenance is up to date for plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, etc. Nothing else is wrong with this car, everything works although it needs struts at this age. I took a new job that is further from home and I'm putting on 20-22K mi/yr. This car is a solid commuter, great to drive and it's giving me 24-25 mpg highway.

Thanks in Advance!KA

[elwesso]

Welcome to NICO my friend!!!!!!!

About your steering rack problem (your nomenclature was right on BTW ) that is a common problem for a lot of nissans..... I would CERTAINLY suggest that you replace that boot, and probably best to replace both... If you onyl have to top off the fluid every couple months then I woudlnt worry about taking out the steering rack and redoing it... The seals can be replaced (Joe sells the seals kit for the rack) if thats how you want to go, however I wouldnt worry about it... The rack is tough to remove and form what i hear not easy to reseal!

Just replace your boot and go from there...

Also, i have heard that some stop leaks for PS systems do work... I dont see any ill effects on using it in your case... I would personally only use a stop leak product in the PS system, nothing else..... Worth a shot, but definitely replace those boots first... They are like $30 from Joe (his contact information is in my signature)....

After you replace those boots just keep your fluid fresh (your using ATF not power steering fluid, right?????) and then youll be set!

[krewzn_along]

Great reply, great info.

......After you replace those boots just keep your fluid fresh (your using ATF not power steering fluid, right?????) and then youll be set!

Yes, using DextronII ATF - frankly I was surprised to see they sell 'power steering fluid' on the shelves.

Still curious for others' experience and if anyone has and idea about the sliding ring on the rod inside the boot on each side.