95GLEMAXX

iTrader: (15)

the shop told me my rack and pinion boots are leaking/torn. anyone know what these are?.. i know they have something to do with steering, but my car feels fine...are they the same as CV joints or anything?, and where can i find these and how much do they go for?

d2ndkemper

I paid about $265.00 for the complete rack and pinion unit. The boots cover the shaft that is connected to your tie rod ends and moves in and out of the rack when you turn your steering wheel. It is a bit of a pain to change. You have to disconnect the steering wheel linkage, both tie rod ends, all hydrolic connections, I think you have to remove the sway bar too. Removing the rack takes some persuasion. I bent the lines a little bit on mine but didnt't suffer any leaks. A mechanic later told me that they drop the front frame a bit to make room but I wouldn't recommend this in your garage. As I recall it took me 2 days because I stripped out one of the rack and pinion mounting bolts and had to re-tap the hole. This is a doable project but make sure you have time to spend under the car.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (10)

Torn boots do not mean you need to replace the steering rack. (d2nd.. explained how changing the rack is a pain)

The steering rack has a metal axle that goes in/out of each side. The surface that passes in/out of the rack must remain very clean so that dirt doesn't contaminate the insides of the rack, and so there is a rubber boot with an accordian-like shape to it. So if this boot tears, you should replace it before dirt gets against the clean surfaces and risks ruining the rack itself.

CV boots are similar looking rubber covers, but they are on the axles. Just like a steering rack boot, a torn CV boot just requires prompt replacement to avoid contaminating the fine mechanical parts.

You can replace the rack boots yourself, but you will need to remove the outer tie rods and put them back without ruining your alignment. The rack, subframe, etc can stay put. I would simply pay a shop to do this job - perhaps $60 worth of labor and $40 for the boots.

Dave

Dubbya

iTrader: (16)

Torn boots dont mean its shot, but he also said its leaking. Leaking = shot.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (10)

Yeah, I read that the other way, since a boot can't leak. A bad rack seal will leak.

If that's true - you have power steering fluid coming out, you need a new rack and boots I think come with it.

You can often get low-mileage steering racks at a junkyard for about $100, perhaps that's the best way to go.

Dave

nismos14

iTrader: (56)

My rack makes all kinds of clacking clinging noise on full tilt wheel turns.

overseaz

iTrader: (5)

I need to replace my rack as well.
How many hours would someone expect it to take a competent home mechanic?
and how many hours does the FSM at nissan say it takes them?

Anyone have any recommendations as far as a good brand to replace it with?
Dave