...ever replaced the inner tie rod on the end of the steering rack?

I found the source of my steering fluid leak last night, the rubber bootie over the passenger side tie rod had a couple of big tears in it. So I definitely need to replace the bootie, but the fluid must be leaking out into the cavity under the bootie from the seal on the inside end of the inner tie rod, where it connects to the rack intself.

I've got a picture of the parts diagram, but not sure how to post it. Anyway, if anybody knows the procedure for pulling that inner tie rod I'd appreciate any feedback. It doesn't *look* like it would be hard to do, but I've said that before!!!

Cheers,
Jay

your power steering rack is leaking, you need a new rack. there are end seals that are behind those boots and they go bad and leak.

its going to be around 250 for a reman rack. real pain in the ass to replace without a lift.

Yeah, I looked at it again last night. It is the rack itself that's crapping out, and doesn't look like there's much I can do about it other than replace the rack itself. Has anybody done a rack replacement? Is it as much of a PITA as it looks like it'll be?

I'll probably just replace the bootie for now, that will at least trap the leak temporarily.

Anybody have a non-leaky power steering rack for sale?

I'm having the same issues as you. Right now I'm trying to decide whether to buy a brand new/rebuilt unit from a parts store ($250+) or source a used one that's in good condition. :thumbsdown:

I ended up throwing a new bootie on it and filling it up with some heavy-duty stop-leak stuff. The bootie is probably full of fluid now, but so far it ain't leaking, and it was a lot easier/cheaper than doing a new rack!

I ended up throwing a new bootie on it and filling it up with some heavy-duty stop-leak stuff. The bootie is probably full of fluid now, but so far it ain't leaking, and it was a lot easier/cheaper than doing a new rack!

Yeah but that's just a temporary fix. If I plan on doing some AutoX/track days I don't want to have any leaking problems. I think I found one pretty cheap locally...used at a salvage yard but they guarantee it to work. :biggthump

Let me know how the install goes, as I'll probably have to replace mine at some poiint. Good luck.

Why not convert to manual steering?

Where did you find the leak?

I thought about converting to manual, but it's not legal for the class I run the car in (time trial events).