In the middle of switching out struts here and noticed that both inner tie rod to steering rack boots are torn open. Also noticed what looks like some steering fluid leaking down from inside the boots. Does this usually mean the rack is shot?

 

Sounds shot to me...

 

Those boots can be replaced easily enough and they dont hold the fluid from leaking. How is the steering?

 

The rack could be shot. But if you see PS fluid from the passenger side of the bay, then check your high pressure PS hose. Those are very prone to go bad on the VE.

I have a very tiny amount of seepage on the driver's side. I see it coming from a cap on the PS rack. It's a 10 or 12mm socket I believe. But it's such a small leak, that it's not worth looking into right now. I have never seen a drop of fluid on the pavement because of it.

But if you are doing a strut or tie rod end job, then definitely replace the rack boots. They are cheap and easy to replace once the tie rod ends are off.

 

The steering has actually been just fine. After looking closer at it I think it may have had that leak seal stuff added to it quite a while back when the car was taken in for a hose replacement. Looks like some kind of sealant. For now I'll replace the boots and see what happens.