manny097

iTrader: (1)

yesterday while driving my max started to smoke
I open the hood and notice that power steering reservoir tank, was almost empty, well today i fill the reservoir and drove it a few blocks, and again smoke
got home and raise the car, steering fluid pouring like crazy
i search and found good threads on how to replace the pump,
But im curious i see people taking about the hoses going bad, the oil is dripping on the Y pipe right where the flex pipe is at, Not right under the pump.
I hope the rack and pinion is not the cause i hear there pricey.
any advice on this?

JtzMax

iTrader: (5)

pix if ya can get em. could be a number of things going on. are you sure the hoses have not just come loose?

manny097

iTrader: (1)

well so far i took out the Y pipe and got brave and when under, while the car was on
i noticed that i leaks right at the middle of the rack, but behind, i see those metal fitted hoses that go into the rack but there ok.

On top there is a metal shield, that cover some rubber hoses, are those part of the power steering system?

I got some purple cleaner and hose the whole bottom,
Tomorrow ill take pics

ridinwitha35

iTrader: (1)

Not to scare you but try to fix it ASAP...reason why (even if it might just be an isolated incident).

manny097

iTrader: (1)

Wow so far its been a pain in the butt on this issue, Just trying to remove the rack and pinion,
but i took pics of the leak
For the 198.000 miles the high pressure hose sips. i could live with that

but this leak is a gusher. the leak seems to come from the back of rack just behind of the left metal hose connection



What do you guys think?

is it that the fitting came lose?

What tool should i used? it seems fragile i try to mess with it but i think i might damage it

JtzMax

iTrader: (5)

You likely need a new rack. Looks like you probably blew out the seals. Not uncommon on our cars ... Kevlo911 did a write up on R+R ing the rack. Next thing to happen here will be that you'll strat to shred the pinion gear inside the rack due to no fluid. It's not a fun job to do, but doable none the less. There are worse things that could go wrong.

manny097

iTrader: (1)

Yeah i figure that, i read his write up,
its is alot of work. last weekend i did all top gaskets, KS, Egr valve, replacement
and that doesnt compete with removing the rack

Now do all 95-99 racks are the same?

JtzMax

iTrader: (5)

I think all 4g racks are the same, Dave B can tell you for sure, and get you a decent deal. Too bad it's not possible to replace the rack with a better one. IMHO, our cars don't have very good - front end feedback, due to the mid grade rack set up. Something like from an R32-R34 would be hella nice!

manny097

iTrader: (1)

i just receive my new rack in mail today, and so far i didnt think i was going to do so much to the max. in the last month

I just slip in the new rack in position, not yet bolt it down cause i still need to buy some bushings and outer tie rods. and not in a hurry i just overhauled the motor mounts i need a few days to set

but as i search the fluids and lubricants
and just to make sure with you guys,
So im able to used A synthetic ATF (Dexron II or Dexron III)?


And how is the best way to set you're new outer rods, i heard people counting threads, or do i measure?