Question about steering rack---Already searched

[300sx]

Today I took my 240 to Nissan for that courtesy 100 point inspection. Report says : Found power steering rack slightly leaking from right boot. Right steering ball joint torn and left is cracking. Rec'md replacing steering rack.

The guy that did the inspection kinda just gave me the report and tossed my keys to me. didnt even let me ask questions about it

My question to the NICO fam..im still kinda new to parts of the car im slowly learning...is replacing the steering rack hard? costly?Is this why I hear rubbing when im slowing down at a stop?What are the steering ball joints for?

Another question...why when i start my car sometimes i hear a squeeky sound? i sprayed wd40 on all of my belts and its still making that sound.

Hope you guys can help me out.

Thanks

[positron1]

WD40 is only a temporary fix on the squealing belts. You'll need to adjust the belt tensioners, the alternator belt is probably too tight which is why it's squealing. I wish I had pics but I don't. I don't know about the Factory Service Manual but Chiltons has an excellent pic of the alternator belt tensioner. Are you sure you need a new steering rack? If your boots are leaking and your ball joints are bad then you can replace them without replacing the steering rack. Even for someone with no mechanical experience, they are a simple bolt-on process. If I can do it, anyone can. You may just need to replace the tie-rods, which the ball joints are at the end of.BeforeAfterBootInner and outer tie rods

[300sx]

Thanks positronone you're awesome!

I dont know if i need a new steering rack. the 'trained technician' at nissan said its recommended that i replace it. i'll jack my car up on my day off to see how bad it is.

[mello151]

My rack is pretty bad too. Both boots are gone and I'd rather get one new instead of hitting up the salvage yard. I'm wondering if I could get away with putting on new boots. Its so dirty down there I can't even tell where all the fluids leaking from. Let me know how your's goes. I think it'll help me figure out what I need to do.

[300sx]

Well..I jacked my car up and the only thing i saw was oil on my right boot which i think was oil coming from replacing the oil filter. both of my boots were fine no rips no nothing didnt see anything wrong with the rack and i couldnt see the steering ball joint. i'll jack it up again tomorrow