The dealership replaced my rack & pinion steering system under warranty about 2 weeks ago...I decided to look underneath as I am getting a bit of noise from the passenger side and noticed axle grease splattered all over the place. On the oil filter and suspension parts....I think my axle boot is somehow damaged or wasn't properly reinstalled. I don't know how long it's been like this...I will go to a local garage tomorrow for a quick inspection...and then head straight in to the dealership on Monday...How long can I drive like that...Im concerned about the dirt etc....

 

Don't drive the car! You may wreck your axel and they aren't
very cheap to replace. If you can, tow it right to the Dealer.

 

You can drive it fora bit but it's not recommended, get it looked at ASAP. I had a torn boot and drove it for about 5-6 weeks and it was fine...

 

It looks fresh as there is no grease on the Mag or tire....and there is no dirt on any of the parts. I have the extended warranty which covers the axle however it does not cover the boot. Do you guys think that the tech at the dealership may have not put the boot back properly after doing the rack and pinion? Or is this just a bad coincidence. Anyone know how much a boot replacement costs? I fell in to a small rut or pot hole while entering the parking lot of one of our local shopping centers yesterday and I think that may have done it. I an going to call their management office on Monday and ask that they cover the work. The pot hole is in fact getting worse by the day and is almost unavoidable as the entrance is narrow due to the concrete barriers used to keep semis out of the parking lot. This is the only pot hole around and I don't do much driving as my office is at home and the spring pot holes have been repaired since almost 4 months in the west end where we live. It's just pure damn neglect on their part....makes me so mad. The dealership has records of my last visit...so they would know. I know it's like my word against theirs as they can probably say that there are other pot holes around however there are not any now in our area....sorry for the rant!