Power Steering - Rack Leaking

[tollboothwilley]

My car was in at the dealership today...they were fixing a recall from way back when that apparently never was done on my car.

While it was there the service manager mentioned that my power steering is leaking...and that the leak is coming from the rack.

forgive my ignorance but where exactly should I expect the leak to be coming from? Here is a link to the diagram in the service manual:http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/G35/Sedan/2003/ps.pdf

[telcoman]

My car was in at the dealership today...they were fixing a recall from way back when that apparently never was done on my car.

While it was there the service manager mentioned that my power steering is leaking...and that the leak is coming from the rack.

forgive my ignorance but where exactly should I expect the leak to be coming from? Here is a link to the diagram in the service manual:http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/G35/Sedan/2003/ps.pdf

Have you had to add any power steering fluid lately?How often do you check your fluids?Do you ever see anything on the ground after the car has been parked for awhile?

Read the section and if you don't see any leaks or are losing fluid then as we say in New Jersey faagetabout it

Checking Fluid Leakage AGS00007Check the lines for improper attachment and for leaks, cracks, damage,loose connections, chafing or deterioration.1. Run engine at idle speed or 1,000 rpm.Make sure temperature of fluid in reservoir tank rises to 50to 80°C (122 to 176°F).2. Turn steering wheel right-to-left several times.3. Hold steering wheel at each “lock” position for five seconds andcarefully check for fluid leakage.CAUTION:Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for morethan 15 seconds.4. If fluid leakage at connectors is noticed, loosen flare nut and then retighten.Do not overtighten connector as this can damage O-ring, washer and connector.5. If fluid leakage from power steering pump is noticed, check power steering pump. Refer to PS-24,"CHECKING RELIEF OIL PRESSURE" .6. Check rack boots for accumulation of power steering fluid.

Telcoman

[tollboothwilley]

I haven't noticed any drips on the ground, but i did notice that the PS reservoir was slightly low. Nothing extreme.

With the technicians underneath the car I can't imagine that they would not check exactly where the leak is coming from. The service manager said I would need to replace the rack. Of course, this doesn't mean that I trust all service managers implicitly. I just noticed a lower PS fluid lately, so its believable to me...

[telcoman]

I haven't noticed any drips on the ground, but i did notice that the PS reservoir was slightly low. Nothing extreme.

With the technicians underneath the car I can't imagine that they would not check exactly where the leak is coming from. The service manager said I would need to replace the rack. Of course, this doesn't mean that I trust all service managers implicitly. I just noticed a lower PS fluid lately, so its believable to me...

My old 74 Mazda RX4 leaked a small amount of power steering fluid for years before I finally sold the car after owning it for 17 years. I just carried a qt of power steering fluid with me and filled it up very time I used it.

What kind of an estimate did the dealer give you? If the leak is slight I would wait but that is just me.

I have AAA as well as Infiniti roadside service so if s#it happens they can just come, pick up my vehicle and give me a loaner till its fixed. So far in almost 81k miles, no problems.

Telcoman

[tollboothwilley]

I'm over 135K miles now.

I don't have a problem getting under the car and fixing it myself. I actually enjoy it.

I don't like others working on my car when I can do it myself. It gives me a chance to learn something new if I haven't done it as well as save $$.