Steering rack leak?
 

So, while under my X today repairing one leak, I found another. The rubber boot (bellows) coming off the steering rack on the driver's side has a tear in it. There's a couple drops of reddish (I assume PS) fluid coping out. Couldn't find a breakdown of it on realoem. Only thing I found showed the bellows and clamps. Is there a seal in there going bad? Or something more complicated?

Could be the hose above (weeping and) dripping on it?


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I'll check it out...

What color is your power steering fluid? That should be a clue....

The seals do go bad. Happened to me - wasn't a big leak, but failed inspection. I ended up sending it to "the rack doctor" for an exchange. 2 years plus and it's been fine.

You have to know if you have servotronic steering to get the right part.

It's red.

From what I see on realoem, I have servotronic steering. Am I seeing right? 2 G's for a reman? How much did you get into yours?

Edit: Ok, ok, rack doctor has remans for $391. Makes more sense. Lifetime warranty! :thumbup:

Look up the guys web page. I think the shop is in South Carolina, but I did it all by fedex. $300-$400 with a rebuild able core. I don't have servotronic so it was on the cheap end.

Dealer pricing on this is crazy...

Yep, definitely coming out of the bellows. :(

Thanks for the help and references, guys. Looks like this is next on the to-do list.

@ David.x5 Any tips on removal? Looks like quite a bit has to come out before the rack will!

I used this on an Audi A6. It stopped the leaks.

Lucas Oil Power Steering Stop Leak, 12 oz - Walmart.com

Thanks for the tip. I threw some of the same stuff into my little Toyota pickup, but I'll probably go ahead and fix this. I won't rest easy knowing there's a leaking seal somewhere...

I recall lowering the subframe but not completely removing it.

Correction: It IS in the Bentley manual - section 320-12.
(get the manual, here's the short version just to give you a sense of the job)
1. Drain PS fluid
2. Raise front, support, remove front wheels
2.5 Detach outer tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
3. Remove front splash shield and reinforcement plate
4. Support engine, disconnect nuts on engine mounts
5. Remove heater valve mounting so it can be moved out of the way of the steering double joint
6. Mark orientation first, then remove upper double joint pinch bolt
7. Unbolt steering rack (2 big torx bolts).
8. Support subframe, lower slightly to get access as needed.
9. Disconnect fluid lines from steering rack (servotronic also has an electrical connector)
10. Slide rack to the left (US drivers side) to remove