How worried should I be? The flexible cover (looks like a CV boot ) has torn. I see a good amount of oil under the transmission + engine but not sure if its pwr str fluid or just motor oil. Thoughts?

 

The boots don't have anything to do with fluid ... per se ...the boots simply protect the inner rods from debris, water, grit, etc.

A torn boot can allow debris, water, grit, etc. to damage rack seals resulting in a leak, but don't themselves hold, retain or seal in fluid.

What color is the fluid you see?

Gold/brown/black or red to red-ish?

 

ok that's what i thought and the reservoir has barely gone done.
The leak is brown and I'm guessing it's motor oil. I guess the engine sprung another lead lead somewhere
Is it possible to just replace the rubber boot?

 

You can replace the boot, but you have to remove the outer Tie Rod End from the Inner's threads to slide the boot over the shaft of the Inner Tie Rod and seat it onto the rack with Nylon Ties or something substantial. You can leave the outer tie rod attached to the steering knuckle.

Most would suggest an alignment even if you think you put it back where it was threaded on.

 

ok. I'm going to look into this. Thanks for the info

 

https://www.stretchcvboot.com/rakboot/

 

Have you used this product before?
Looks like a universal product

 

I have not used them ... yet.

And yes, they are a universal item and I've heard pretty good things

 

Thanks for the info. I'm going to give it a try