My power steering system has been losing fluid through the resevoir. I've noticed that the boot on my power steering rack has been ripped as well as ps fluid all over. Should i go ahead and replace the whole rack or try to repair it? I heard it was very difficult to remove from the car. Anyone with experience with the ps rack please help!

Also my steering wheel shakes at very low speeds and at very high speeds (80mph) and is unstable. Could the powersteering system cause this?

 

Id say replace the boots. It takes about 1 hour per side. They boots are about $30 from the dealership. I did mine not too long ago. Sounds like you just need a new hose for the power steering resevoir.

 

If you can tell the fluid is leaking from within the boot, the rack is shot. The instability at low speeds is another indication. Sorry, that's not fun news, but I'd still take it somewhere for a diagnosis and assessment.

As far as I can tell you have to remove the y-pipe just to unbolt the passenger side bolts. Also, you have to be careful to keep the rack properly centered and stuff.

Dave

 

thanks for the replies. Does anyone know the typical/time and cost of just having the whole rack replaced by a mechanic?

 

not sure what year you have but now may be the time to get the better rack that comes on the later SE models with closer ratio steering i think it was 97-99 se's someone correct me i im wrong.....

 

The PS fluid doesn't leak thru the torn boots. What you loose when you have a torn boot is the grease inside it that keeps the gear from binding. So from your description, it seems like you have 2 problems. Torn boots and leaking PS pump. You need to repair both of those right away as the new rack and pinion will run you at least $700 and labor is not going to be cheap at all. It's definitely not a DYI job and you will probably have to raise the engine to get to the entire rack and pinion system for removal.

 

Is replacing the boot and the p/s pump a diy job?

 

Replacing the boot is simple, the only thing that will consume a lot of time is room once you try to get your hands in there to fasten the clamp that will come with the replacement boot. It's a very tight place but I found that needle nose pliers does wonders. If you situate yourself under the car right below the rack and pinion area, you will probably have better room to work with. Replacing the pump is not as hard but also time consuming, again because of room. The pivot bolt is a PITA to get to because of the passenger side axle. They are definitely a DIY job. Oh and rent yourself a good gear puller to disconnect the outter tie rod from the spindle. You will end up needing an alignment after the job is done because that will definitely throw you TOE alignment out of wack.