So stopped by the alignment by steering rack is leaky and needs to be changed at a cost of ~$850. Not quite ready to shell out that kind of money when I'm not absolutely sure, I decided to wait for a chance to get a second opinion. Well I've been looking at the steering fluid and it's not going down noticeably but the tie rod boots and surrounding areas are wet so I wanted to see what you guys think.

Driver side



Passenger side

 

how long do you wanna keep the car?

i would just replace the inner tie rods and keep on cruisin

20-50 in parts - 1-2 hours in labor. hardest thing is getting a inner tie rod removal tool

 

For awhile man, for awhile. She has 145k now, just got a paint job, 4 struts, and valve cover gaskets so not planning on trashing anytime soon.

 

Looks fine. I just replaced all the parts in my front end including new bushings for the steering rack. Rolling with 237k on my max. Just replace the tie rods ends and the boot, called bellows, and grease the rack. She will go much longer.

 

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...555&cc=1211443

Seal Kit

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...277&cc=1211443

2 inner tie rods

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...321&cc=1211443

2 outer tie rods

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...416&cc=1211443

2 boots

then change the fluid and you basically have a new rack...

 

I don't think you need to replace it. Mine has 305,000 miles and original rack plus my passenger side boot is broken like your and it's still running fine with no problems. I would just replace your driver side rack and pinion bushing which I did and it made it handle much better and it ran like new . The rack and pinion bushing are really important for the rack to run and do its job. Without them your handling would suck and the car would wonder all over the road.

 

Kev, I was looking at your sticky about the replacement of the rack and pinion. You noted that the majority of the 4th gen racks are leaking and wanted to know what leak determines that it needs replacing? Mine is leaking from where the steering meets the rack. This guy has pics of his not leaking but it has oil located where the inner tie rods are located. It doesn't look like tranny fluid though so its not leaking from in there or is it?

 

I wouldn't even bother with seals, just bellows and inner tie rods.

 

O **** they call it a bellow - no wonder I can't find it on there lol. Thanks.

 

Just do what people above have told you. Changing the steering rack is a PITA.

 

That's what i did. Just make sure to top off the ps fluid every so often and you'll be fine

 

back when i did mine there were no replacement seals available. i'd say the seals are wearing out on yours.

you dont have to change but if you're already inthere you might as well

 

So if I bought the seal kit, they can be replaced with the rack still attached to the car? Can anyone who has done a seal replacement pitch in?

 

BUMP BUMP chime in someone that has done this