torn steering rack boot?

[mach1one]

was changing my oil today, noticed a leak. Turns out this boot had a nice tear in and leaked crap all over. I have had a p/s leak, but was unsure where.

My haynes manual is vague, what's involved replacing this? Do ppl normally pull the whole rack and put a new boot on?

 

[DSM90AWD]

Try NAPA or other local parts store and ask for the power steering "bellow" s/b ~$25 for a set (do both as will have to get an alignment anyway).

Not too difficult to replace:
1.) Remove nut from outer tie rod end
2.) Separate outer tie rod from ball jount with pickle fork or Tie Rod separator (which I've yet to find one that fits).
3.) Mark the lock bolt's position on the tie rod end threads (or simply count them) and then loosen.
4.) Unscrew/remove the outer tie rod end and retaining nut.
5.) Cut the cetaining clips off the old bellow and remove.
6.) Install new bellow
7.) Reinstall the outer tie rod end (if worn replace) and retaining nut.
8.) Get an alignment.

As for the leak. Very hard to pinpoint as the fluid runs downhill. Check the fitting n the top of the pump (the o-ring goes bad) and feed/return lines on the rack itself.

 

[mach1one]

thanks man :thumbsup: About the fluid running downhill, I didn't notice the leak until I did an oil change today and had the front wheels up on a ramp.