Leaky Boots

[ediguano]

Hey guys,
I thought today while I have some spare hours, I'd try to figure out where the leak in my Power Steering is coming from. I degreased everything down there to try and locate it specifically.

The left hand boot had a broken ratchet clamp and there was some seepage there. Turns out it was full of fluid. The RHS wasn't leaking but I thought I'd check anyway. Also full of fluid.
Is this normal? I assumed they would just act as dust covers.

The p/s switch had a bit of oil caked around it but I'm not sure this was the main cause of the leaking. Most of the oil was running along the shaft to the middle and dripping down onto the cross member.

After reading through other guys problems with there p/steering leaks, I am thinking I may have some rooted seals in there somewhere.

If anyone can shed some light on this, that'd be great although I get the feeling this is not going to be a case of a new $45 switch!

Cheers guys
ed

[Erich]

I would agree - a switch leak would NOT be causing the leak inside the rack assembly and out via a boot. This may have a small leak but if its leaking (even minor), that is a seperate issue that would need looking at (replacing)

It is only a dust cover and oil should not be leaking out in quantities like that, I would look at getting a trans/power steering person to look at it

[Mont5.0]

200 bucks for a reco rack, best bet!

[EvilChief]

internal rack end seal leaks, requires reco of rack. the switch sometimes may sweat as well, but will not cause an internal leak. check your high pressure PS while you are at it, as its easiest to swap while doing a rack, in case it leaks as well. And remember to use Agri fluid for PS fluid and not DXIII.

[ediguano]

thanks guys. new rack it is. from the looks of things it shouldn't be too hard to swap over myself and save a few $$.