There is a similar thread to which leads me to creating this one; different question however...

Put '05 R53 on a lift and good amount of power steering fluid leaking out of the boot which covers the passenger side tie rod, which goes into the steering rack. Is it more likely that I'll need to replace the steering rack, or is it a botchy inner tie rod replacement job which I had done about a month ago?

Watcha all think?

 

I've changed the inner tie rods on my car, and I don't think that anything done during that job would create a leak, unless they didn't put the boot on very well, and let dirt in, which would destroy the seals on the rack. I think that would take longer than a month though.

I guess they could have really wrenched on the inner tie rods and hurt the seals on the rack, but with how hard the inner tie rods are to get to, I think that's pretty unlikely. The timing is pretty suspect but I think it's just coincidence.

 

Is there a forum or link with instructions on how to replace the steering rack? I'm thinking of tackling this job myself...

How tough would it be, and would it be more advantageous to have the shop do the job?

 

Can the seals be replaced if that's the issue?

 

Personally, I'd have a shop do it. I'm pretty sure you have to drop the subframe to replace the steering rack which I've never done, but looks like a real bear of a job to me. But if you have the time and the tools, it seems doable. Pelican has a great how to here http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...me_Removal.htm

I don't think you can replace the seals on the rack, but it might be worth looking into.

 

I had to do this on a BMW two years ago. I found a small outfit that rebuilds racks called the rack doctor. Lifetime warranty. A mini rack would be about $180 with a rebuild able core. Had to drop the subframe on that car, too. Saved a fortune by DIY on this job.

 

This tech article has some points with the steering rack in it and might be able to help you a bit. Yes, as stated, there are some shops that can rebuild components like this depending on the condition they're in. Check them out. Otherwise, you can see what racks we have to offer here.

-Luccia

 

Sounds like a leak on the internal rack itself, replacing the steering rack boots on the end are just dust covers.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp-recall.html



Its a bit of the job and you will have to drop the subframe.

 

Not to argue with some people here, but you don't need to drop the subframe. There's just enough room to slide it out from the side. Mine was leaking and I replaced it with a rebuilt one from ebay. Sadly, I got what I paid for and they put zip-ties instead of proper collars on the boots, the rack is working fine however.

 

The seal on the rack is bad if you have fluid in the boot.

We can sell you a new one but they are pricey. So we have a few good used ones off wrecked cars that would save you.