Leaking Power Steering Rack? Front Control Arm Bolt Movement?? (1 Viewer)

[FamilyCamper]

Hey all,

Got back from hitting some trails this weekend and after a few days of driving I noticed some sounds coming from the power steering. Sure enough the level in the reservoir was low and I found some wet spots under the driver side of the vehicle. After jacking it up and turning the wheel back and forth there is a significant amount of fluid shooting from a small tear that was previously on the inner tie rod boot on the DS. Is this a leak from the steering rack seal and I need to replace the entire thing!? Also I noticed that the passenger lower control arm bolt was moving when the steering was almost at full lock. Seems sketch as its not happening on the other side, Any thoughts on either would be super appreciated.

UPDATE: Took the boot off and the rack was actively pushing out oil at the output shaft every time the wheel was turned driver side. The passenger side also hasfluid in the boot although not as much. I took the rack out and am waiting to install a new rack. Sad to see it go with only 140k on it but also its 23 years old so makes sense the seals went bad.

Driver's Side Steering Rack Leak
Passenger Control Arm Bolt Movement 1
Passenger Control Arm Bolt Movement 2

 

[nissanh]

You might need to clean the area and inspect it really where it is coming from. To me it is a rapid leak something like a loose pressure line or cracked pressure or return line. When ATF get's onto any rubber bushing, it will eat it.

 

[GVegasG]

The whole rack needs to be replaced.

 

[FamilyCamper]

Thank you @GVegasG and @nissanh

Took the rack off thanks to the numerous posts on the site and waiting to install the new one once it arrives. The rack was leaking at the output shafts on both sides but worse on the driver's side.