QX4 Leaking from tie rod?... Hopefully easy fix *PICS* Mechanincal NOOB

[W O T]

So I put the winter rims on the qx4 a bit ago, and after seeing my front brakes put in an order for those aswell. But Ive also noticed a leak developing in my driveway, spots of wat appears to be just regular oil, so I cleaned under the car, drove for a day and checked to see where the leak was from.

Seems to be coming from the CV boot on the tie rod if Im saying that right. BUt my drivers side doesnt look like my passenger side. The passenger side, has a groove on the end of the boot where Id imagine you can clamp/ziptie it to the rod so no fluid escapes, neither side had a clamp, but the drivers side doesnt even have the groove for one.

Heres my pics. SO can anyone tell me if I can simply stopthe leaks on the car, maybe inject some constant velocity grease or oil back into that boot and I'll be good? Cause I really dont have the $100 for an alignment if I need to replace that part......



Ive got more pics but Im havin troble uploading them

[Lars]

Well, that's not your CV boot, it is your steering end link. The leak there indicates that your rack and pinion is leaking. The boots are not there to hold in fluid, but to keep out dust. I'm afraid you may be in for an expensive repair... unless you can find someone who will replace that outer seal only.

edited for spelling

[W O T]

Well Ive actually noticed the steering was *hard* at low speeds in some places around town, but its never there for more than a turn or two and its competely random

What exactly is broken though? My steering fluid level was low, I topped it off twice, havent checked on it in a week though, is that the fluid that is leaking?

I dont have a lot of cash, and Id love to do this myself if possible

[Lars]

Nothing has really "broken through". There is a seal that keeps the ps fluid inside the rack and pinion and goes around that shaft... similar to a crank shaft seal. Yes, the fluid would be ps fluid. When the seals wear out there is really only two options: one super cheap temp fix, only to be used if you don't plan on keeping the vehicle -> power steering stop leak (you can buy it at almost any parts store) eventually this will clog up your entire ps system, and is really only a bandaid. Option two: replace the rack and pinion. I suppose you could try to replace the one seal that is leaking, but you'd still have to pull the whole rack to do it, and then you'd still have to worry about all the other seals. You should be able to buy a reman rack for around $400 (although this is really just a guess). Sorry man, there really is no "cheap" fix for this problem.

[W O T]

I'll try the stop leak if its worth a shot, can hopefully get me to christmas