Power steering rack boot has grease inside- no PS fluid leak

[Logank]

Hey everyone,

2004 infiniti i35.

I hve a totally ripped power steering rack boot on the passenger side.

Been this way a few weeks. My power steering fluid level hasn't gone down AT ALL. BUT, there is grease inside the boot. I'm thinking either it's from the tie rod joint inside, or whoever put the boot on greased it up to make putting the boot on easier.

My question is this- I would know if it were leaking/if the seals on the rack were broken, right? I plan on just replacing the boot (just picked up the part for $18)

I know the boot is supposed to be dry, but it's definitely grease.

Any input?

Thanks a ton in advance for any help!

[Q451990]

Probably just grease from the tie rod joint, as you suspected. I would clean all of the old grease out with some brake parts cleaner, and re-grease when you replace the boot. That'll get any grit that's embedded in the old grease out.

Heath