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Power steering fluid in tie rod boots

indygrandprix

indygrandprix

New member
So I know the rack is bad in my 98' GTP and I need a new one. I went to the junkyard and pulled on from a 00' with 133k miles. I figured it was ok cuz 133k isnt all that much. I pulled the Tie rod boots off to make sure there was no fluid in it and unfortunately there was about a 1/4 cup or so. Anyways my question is weather or not all used racks are gonna have some fluid in the boots or if that does definitely mean the rack is on its way out. And also if that does mean it is going bad has anyone ever replaced the seals before and how.. Thanks
 


I'm sure a lot of us are driving around with a bit on our tie rod end boots but as long as it doesn't get out we don't care. As many times as I see stop leak do nothing in engines, many people have luck with it in power steering systems. I'd empty it and put some stop leak in it. If fluid never exits it, I wouldn't worry.

You could always flush your power steering system and use a fluid with some in it, if you're into maintenance as much as I am lol.

I never replaced seals, but by judging on how almost everyone just buys a new one to get all new parts, that may be the best route.
 
I used Lucas power steering sealer in my old rack and it lasted quite a while. Might be worth a shot. But as much of a PITA it is to change out you may be better off just getting a new rack and calling it done, as mentioned above. Your call there.
 
if theres fluid in the boots, pass on that rack, find a dry one.

the first one i got was leaking a ton of fluid out the boots, i sent it right back, showed the driver the leaks, told him i want one thats not leaking please.

2 nd one was dirty, but dry. and worked. its not a job you want to do 2 times if you can help it.
 
Well upon scotty's advise I brought the rack back to the yard and went out and after a bit of hard looking I found a 99 w/ magnasteer and no fluid in the boots. And even better yet it only had 119k miles on the car. So I pulled it out and grabbed the PS pump since it is probably shot since the pump and rack in my GTP have been bone dry for who knows how long while the previous owner drove it around.

Unfortunately I had to cut the tie rod ends to get it out and they are being a PITA to get off the new rack now.
 
put a adjustable wrench on the tie rod thats left, then another on the lock nut, break that lock nut free, then unscrew the tie rod.

leave the lock nut in place, now put your old tie rods on the new rack right up to the lock nut, then make it tight. thats as good as it gonna get as far as keeping the alignment some what true.

you'll still want to get an alignment soon after.
 


Got the tie rod ends off. Put the rack back up in there and got it bolted in. High PSI line and getting the steering linkage back together was a bit of a struggle but everything else went smoothly. Then pulled the pump off and I actually managed to get it out without removing the alternator by pulling it thru the bottom between the "frame/body" and the cradle. I think this was possible because the tie rod ends where not on it because even so it was a VERY tight squeeze. So I anybody ever has to pull their power steering pump and doesnt want to take their alternator off just pop off your tie rod and there you go. Tommorow I'll go get myself some PS fluid and tie rod ends and see how it goes. Wish me Luck with my Junkyard parts. Haha
 
Since you removed your PS pump from the bottom be sure that you didn't damage your oil pressure sending unit, as it is located directly below the PS pump.

You may have to "bleed" the PS system to get rid of any air that may cause it to whine like it's low on fluid. I had to do this on an Impala I was working on that had a leaking return line and was whining like mad. Got it up on a jack and turned lock to lock 4 or 5 times and then driving. Repeated that about 4 times and finally got the pump to quiet down.
 
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