Power steering rack leaking on passenger side, boot also torn

[Victor]

I see a few drops of transmission fluid leaking out of the torn boot (Qs and Js use transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid ). I looked on the website everyone keeps recommending as a parts source and I see a seal kit for the power steering rack. Is the seal something a do it yourselfer can replace right on the car or do you need to take the rack off and do you need special tools or skills to replace the seal. Also, I read on the Q45 board the boot can be replaced by unscrewing the tie rod end. Is this also true on the J30? Has anyone ever done this themselves?

[Victor]

Sorry, I meant to post that question on the J30 board. But thats a dead board anyway with very few posters so maybe someone here can answer my question because I don't think I will get an answer on the J30 board.

[xerexabante]

Have it rebuit and resealed, I have a guy here in Vegas that does it. Most likey about $180-up to rebuilt plus labor. Even the dealer wil not change the seal for they will install a rebuilt one.

You can do the boot if you can. Take the tie rod end off and replace. You need a puller for the tie rod, about $60 for the puller.

[Victor]

I just replaced the bellows (boot). It cost $14.99 at Kragen, and they lent me the tie rod end puller. A lot of parts stores will lend you special tools if you buy the part from them. You have to leave a deposit though.

[maxnix]

You can do the boot if you can. Take the tie rod end off and replace. You need a puller for the tie rod, about $60 for the puller.

And you will need an alignment no matter how careful you are wehn you mark it.

[carfrk666]

i have the exact same thing goin on with my Q, just bought the boots and i need the seals, what site was it that you had found with that seal rebuild kit, it would make an excelent class project for me to do

[maxnix]

Here we go again.

Always call tehm first!

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

You are not driving a Chevy.

[carfrk666]

hahaha, you would think i would learn my lesson by now wouldnt ya, can u say ignorant?

[Victor]

Carfrk666, if you do try to replace the seals let us know the procedure and any difficulties and whether it fixed the problem. I have a J30T, not a Q45, but from looking at the exploded view diagrams the power steering racks appear to be the same design, also looks the same for a Z32, may even be the same part. In fact, I looked for threads about this on other brands of cars and it appears that all power steering racks no matter what brand are basically the same design.On another forum for another brand they mentioned gauling as a problem when removing the large nut on the end of the rack.In the meantime my leak is slow enough that I only have to refill the power steering reservoir maybe every two months. I look at it as a self flushing system. If it doesn't get worse its a lot cheaper to just keep adding automatic transmission fluid. I still haven't used a full quart since I started having this problem, and I just got some more Dexron III on a clearance sale for a dollar a quart so I am good for a couple of years if the leak doesn't get worse. One thing I read was leaking fluid will eventually rot the bellows out, but again its a lot cheaper to put on another $15 boot than pay $235 for a rebuilt rack plus the labor to put it on.

[carfrk666]

i will give a full write up on how i do it, i have hi-preformance steering and suspension in about a month and will be doing it in there, however having a slow leak out of the ends of the rack into the boots isnt good, the boots will fill up and then pop off or explode, so just watch for that, my biggest fear is either breaking something or finding out that the cylinder on it is going to be worn, most all ps racks are the same design, the only differance is that the one on my Q at least uses an electronic controlled spool valve.

[mxr662]

I just replaced the bellows (boot). It cost $14.99 at Kragen, and they lent me the tie rod end puller. A lot of parts stores will lend you special tools if you buy the part from them. You have to leave a deposit though.

The tie rod can just be unscrewed from the tie rod end. Count the turns for correct reassembly.

zerothread?id=291740

[carfrk666]

but to remove the tie rod end from the knuckle without tearing the boot and messing up the threads u need a tie rod end puller