I really need to stop looking under my car. I go under for a leaking transmission pan and find this..




I know this is bad, but how bad and how immediate does the fix need to be? Can i buy and install a new boot or is that going to be a complete replacement of the rack?

Also, anybody know what the metal tube is supposed to connect to?

i beleive you need to replace the whole rack.

BUMP..I hate to bump my own post but I need to figure out about the repair so i can get parts for this weekend <sigh>

Hey. The picture'* are kind of blurry, but it almost looks like the housing of the steering rack is cracked. Maybe it'* just what'* left of the boot. The metal tube is simply connects one bellows boot to the other.

The bellows boot is fairly simple to replace. Probably will cost around $30 for the bellows boot. You will be best off to have the alignment checked when you're done. My shop would charge about an hour labor to do this.

Here is an abbreviated list of steps (details omitted):

Jack up and support vehicle. Don't rely on a jack.

Remove lug nuts and wheel.

Mark end of tie rod with paint of something that doesn't easily come off.

Loosen tie rod end lock nut. Loosen tie rod end to steering knuckle nut. Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle. Remove tie rod end and lock nut from tie rod.

Remove spring type hose clamp from outer end of bellows boot. Remove bellows boot and clamp.

Install new bellows boot and make sure to line up the vent tube. Secure boot to steering rack with a zip tie or OE type metal clamp (if you want to buy the crimp pliers).

Install clamp.

Install tie rod end and lock nut where it was before. Install tie rod end to steering knuckle. Torque to spec and use a new cotter pin (if equipped). Tighten lock nut.

Install wheel.


If you have any worn steering parts, time to replace those as well. The boot keeps out dirt and moisture. It can wash the grease out of the inner tie rod joint and could possibly damage the seals on the steering rack, eventually leading to a PS leak or rack failure.

Have fun.


Lowell

Thanks a bunch! Sorry about the blurry pic but it was really hard to get a good angle under the car. I only saw the split boot, so i think that at this point there is no damage to the rack. Thank you for the detailed fix. I will try to tackle it this weekend!

Edit...Do i just snip whats left of the OEM metal ring off to install the new boot with a zip tie?

The new boot will probably come with a metal clamp, but you need special crimp pliers to get it on there. I would just zip tie it on where the metal one was. You can clip it off or pull it out when you get the boot off. Remember when you put it back together the zip tie has to go around the rack housing but under the vent tube. Reuse the spring clamp on the tie rod end of the boot.

When I do stuff like these at work (with the car up on a lift), it can seriously be done in 15-20 minutes. Expect longer your first time and if on the ground.

ok thanks. i feel pretty comfy doing the job now. I will take lots of pics so someone else can learn from this too.

Think i will need to take it in for alignment after the job is done. I am thinking of replacing the tie rod ends too..they look a little beat and dont hold grease anymore..