HELP, worst fears confirmed

[totaleclipse3]

Well guys for the past few months I have been leaking power steering fluid pretty badly. I read on the forums that it might be my rack and pinion but was hoping it was something a little less severe. Well my mechanic just called me and said that the bushings or something was shot and are causing the seals to leak, he said its all downhill from here. On top of that my drivers side axle is shot to hell and my tie rods are mest up too. Not great news, he quoted me 800 for the rack and pinion alone. So my question is, what should I do? should I attempt this job myself? Do I have to replace the whole rack and pinion or just the seals? Im so pissed I've already dropped so much money into this car, and I think I'm burning piston rings as well since my car is smoking blue smoke at idle. Thanks for all your input guys.

 

[knochgoon24]

Blue smoke wouldn't mean that you are burning piston rings, no such thing. It means you are burning oil. That can come from several places.

If your car isn't all rusted up, (you FL guys don't have to deal with the road salt) the axle wouldn't be to hard of a job. Tie rods aren't har either.

I haven't done anything with the rack & pinion, so someone else will have to chime in on that.

 

[totaleclipse3]

Blue smoke wouldn't mean that you are burning piston rings, no such thing. It means you are burning oil. That can come from several places.

If your car isn't all rusted up, (you FL guys don't have to deal with the road salt) the axle wouldn't be to hard of a job. Tie rods aren't har either.

I haven't done anything with the rack & pinion, so someone else will have to chime in on that.

Sorry I meant that my rings might be shot because they are letting oil in and its getting burnt, this is just from what I have read, but I am still very novice on engine stuff.

I'm hoping that I can do all the work myself. It just seems a little overwhelming right now.

 

[jeking]

The smoke at Idle is more than likely your valve seals( if it's seals it won't kill your car if you keep oil in the crankcase), I did mine it was simple but you really need to read up on how to do it , as for suspension if the mechanic tells you what needs replacement you can do it yourself, reading and searching the forums is a must, you will also need tools.
Just look at it this way, if you have time and ability and you want to keep the car do it yourself, you will save tons of money and it will be a good practile experience, too many people in this country are afraid or just don't have the confidence to try car repair.

 

[totaleclipse3]

The smoke at Idle is more than likely your valve seals( if it's seals it won't kill your car if you keep oil in the crankcase), I did mine it was simple but you really need to read up on how to do it , as for suspension if the mechanic tells you what needs replacement you can do it yourself, reading and searching the forums is a must, you will also need tools.
Just look at it this way, if you have time and ability and you want to keep the car do it yourself, you will save tons of money and it will be a good practile experience, too many people in this country are afraid or just don't have the confidence to try car repair.

Yeah I agree, I usually do all my own repair work or I would have gone broke paying labor costs. I just found a good deal on a re manufactured power steering rack, here is the link eBay Motors: Remanufactured1995-99 Mitsubishi Eclipse Rack & Pinion (item 270221637604 end time Mar-30-08 19:09:38 PDT)
What do you guys think? Also it says that it comes complete with inner tie rods, arent their outer tie rods as well? If I get this, all I have to do it install it right, or are their any other parts that I need to buy (besides the new axle). Thanks you guys are a big help.

 

[Laysher91]

If you have any mechanical aptitude I say go for it. The suspension repairs are easier than you think, but you will need to get some tools to complete the job. As far as the steering rack, I think the biggest task is removing everything to get the rack out. It would be a logical sequence to do them at the same time too! Get a repair manual and research what tools you will need and I think you would be set. Im sure a fellow dsmer in FL could help you out. If not, get the parts, a buddy, and you can get it done in a day. With all costs included, you will spend much less than $800 and have gained some experience. Make sure to get an alignment after you change those tie-rods.

 

[totaleclipse3]

Well I'm feeling spunky so I have ordered the rack and pinion, where would be a good place to buy the outer tie rods and the axle?

 

[Spoolio]

Best place for oem replacement is always you're local Mitsubishi Dealer, unless you want to go and get some more beefy parts then try looking at my "Helpful links Thread" that i started. There is alot of links already posted for oem and aftermarket parts.


http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/site-problems/288065-helpful-links-thread.html#post151451524

 

[Sp1kE]

I did my steering rack on my 1g.
Never did something like that before.
I took my time. got new tie rod ends like 30 bucks for some aftermarket no name ones.
there was alot of dinking around trying to get the rack out.
I am inexperienced but handy and it took me 8 hours.
Just remember to have everything straight including the steering wheel when you put the rack back on!

if you have to deal with salt and your cars somewhat rusty, then order new lines for your rack while your at it. ( i think 2 g's have that)

 

[bastarddsm]

you will have to get your car alligned afterward, but overall its not to difficult.

 

[daarkness92]

yeah did it on my last 1g...takes a while but you can do it, and yes you will most likely need an alignment afterward

 

[totaleclipse3]

Well the rack came in today and I have the outer tie rods, now I just got to buy the axle and I'll be on my way. I will keep you guys posted, maybe even take a few pics of the install since I cant find any 2g rack install pics on here. Thanks for all the help.