[V6-12v] Torn boot on steering rack. How high priority fix is this?

[George Tur]

On Sunday 12 June 2005 05:20 pm, Tom Christiansen wrote:
> Folks,
>
> While silencing the moan from the steering damper by applying grease I
> noticed that the big part under the steering damper (I assume this is the
> steering rack) has a torn boot. The steering doesn't seem to be consuming
> Petosin at an alarming rate. I just filled up from MIN to MAX. Last time I
> added power steering fluid was two years ago.
>
> How high a priority should I assign to fixing the boot. And how much work
> is involved swapping that boot (is it even available as a separate part or
> will I have to get a new steering rack?).
>
***************
Did the torn boot have any pentosin in it? If it did then the piston seal on 
the rack, that the boot is supposed to protect, is toast and you will have to 
replace the rack at some point. If there is no pentosin leaking from the 
piston seal then it's just the boot and I believe it's available as a 
separate part. To get the boot on is still a big job since you have to 
disconnect it from the steering tie rods and then get the new boot on which 
basically means you have to take the steering rack out. Labor will probably 
be the same whether it's the rack or just the boot. A rebuilt rack I think is 
available from Jurgens (spelling???) for around $250 or slightly more.

HTH ... 

George Tur
91 V8
95 A6Q