Steering rack - boots damp

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2

2003TLC

10 Year
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Threads
14
Messages
88
Location
Seattle,WA
While changing the oil I noticed the bottom half of both steering rack boots are a little wet/greasy. CV boots are dry and looks fine. After closer look I couldn't find any tears in the boots. Is this common? Does this always precede a failure?

thanks!
 
This is typically because the steering rack seals are leaking and it goes into the boots. Mine were exactly like that the second time my rack failed...you likely have a pretty slow leak, check the fluid level in the reservoir to confirm.
 
2003TLC said:
While changing the oil I noticed the bottom half of both steering rack boots are a little wet/greasy. CV boots are dry and looks fine. After closer look I couldn't find any tears in the boots. Is this common? Does this always precede a failure?

thanks!
Click to expand...

First response would be to clean it up really well and monitor it for a week or two. See how long it take to come back.
 
Mine has about 120k on it, both sides are damp. I'm going to replace it when it gets worse. I think all 100s will leak eventually, just when and how bad. Has anyone had a severe leak from the rack?
 
226,000 miles on mine, leaking really bad now. I'm taking it in to get it fixed, expecting it to be at least a $1000.
 
Old thread I know but have a question that I haven't been able to find answers to. I have a tear on my drivers side rack boot. Fluid is still at normal level (have some residue on bottom of boots as others have stated). Question: Can I replace the torn boot with rack still in vehicle? I imagine it might be tight clamping it, space wise. Any info appreciated, thanks.
 
Couvi said:
Old thread I know but have a question that I haven't been able to find answers to. I have a tear on my drivers side rack boot. Fluid is still at normal level (have some residue on bottom of boots as others have stated). Question: Can I replace the torn boot with rack still in vehicle? I imagine it might be tight clamping it, space wise. Any info appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...

Hey reviving an old thread as I have this exact issue now with my 100 series.

Do the rubber boots only need to be replaced or is this something that needs a much bigger replacement?
 
Boots can be replaced.
But If boots wet and loosing ATF, adding to Power steering reservoir is clue to how much of a leak, with no other leaks. You likely need a new rack. Very often leak is from above, so clean and pin point any leak first. You can try AT-205 reseal first. Second test would be if rack & pinion gears are worn. Hard to tell this, but look for play in the gears.
 
Thanks! I have not noticed a decrease in power steering fluid in my resevior and no leaking from anything above.

The boot on the driver side is majorly torn and ate up and that is where the fluid is probably coming from. I’ll probably just replace the rubber boots first and see if there is continued leakage after that.

Is this an easy job to just replace the boots?
 
Never done, but looks easy. Count the threads and assemble identically.
 
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