To R&R or not R&R ...

[MinnyQ]

I've had a steering rack leak in my '95Q for 111,000 miles. (Car has 184k). It seems to be a bit worse in the last couple months, but it just means topping it off every couple weeks instead of every two months. The plan is to keep this thing -- best car I've ever owned -- until at least 250k. What do you think? Should I bother replacing the steering rack? Would it handle any better? Or would I just spend a ton to save nickels on power steering fluid and kitty litter, for the garage floor?

[elwesso]

If I remember correctly, the steering rack isnt that expensive.... Like $500 or something like that, maybe less..... Id replace it, it will feel much better.....

How many miles do you have on your Q?

[MinnyQ]

184K is the mileage.But the quoted figure for the R&R is around $1200.Although a guy at the Goodyear shop said $700 for an aftermarket.

[elwesso]

Call up Joe and ask him how much they are..... 1-888-216-5328

[szh]

Rack cost me near $900 or 950 (for a new one), as I recall and labor was about $100 or so at the local Infiniti dealer when I had it done. The price from Joe for the part itself is lower, I am sure!

Z

[PalmerWMD]

Minny:

Is your only symptom leaking fluid?Then I would just top it off.( it might be ok to top off with fluyid thats advertised to have some seal aweller in it.

Or is your steering exactness less than it could be?

Then I would do it.

BTW I second Wes' recommendation of calling Joe for true parts cost.

Fred..

[Jberger]

Instead of adding more fluid, have you checked to see what is leaking?

If it's the boots, then that's a quick fix.

If it's a hose, it can be expensive to replace, or cheap to repair the hose depending on which hose is leaking.

I thinking the seals themselves can be changed inside the rack, YMMV

[Jesda]

Some of those hoses just need to be reclamped. My dealer tells me thats a common cause of leaks, and a cheap fix.

[PalmerWMD]

Some of those hoses just need to be reclamped. My dealer tells me thats a common cause of leaks, and a cheap fix.

Yes, thats worked before not for all but cheap attempt.

Fred...

[tpuig]

Among the things done while the car was in the shop, was fixing a power steering leak. Turns out the upper hose leaked on the lower, making it look very bad. Not a cheap fix, but not as bad as I thought. You may get away with a simple fix. TP

[MinnyQ]

Thanks. The dealer boys say its an inside seal. They want $1400 to R&R. Joe in Scottsdale quotes $460 for a re-manufactured number, with warranty, and an independent will install it for $350.