Catch 22

[Compaq888]

I have two choices either repair a inner tie rod boot or keep adding power steering fluid.

The part itself costs $12 but the problem is it's very hard to get to it and labor would be alone $200-275.

I don't have those kinds of tools and have no experience repairing power steering racks.

Power steering fluid costs $2.74 tax included for 12 oz. I would have to waste a bottle every 4-6 weeks in order to keep my fluid in the right zone. If I don't add any fluid the whole system will take a crap.

[SVOboy]

My vote is to loop the system and eliminate PS altogether.

[Compaq888]

yeah but I'd like to have power steering. I park outside in a parking lot that requires a lot of manuvering.

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by Compaq888

Power steering fluid costs $2.74 tax included for 12 oz. I would have to waste a bottle every 4-6 weeks in order to keep my fluid in the right zone. If I don't add any fluid the whole system will take a crap.

By my math, the payback period for fixing the leak would be 8 to 12 years. Unless you are gonna keep it that long I would see If I could get a deal on a case of fluid.

[rh77]

Originally Posted by Compaq888

yeah but I'd like to have power steering. I park outside in a parking lot that requires a lot of manuvering.

When I had a car with no PS, it was so easy to turn the wheel when the car was moving -- of course, at a slower pace it's much more difficult.

This is what I recommend. Go to an empty parking lot, get up to a decent speed, put the car in N, and shut 'er down. Then practice maneuvering the vehicle with the engine off until it coasts to a stop. This way, you'll get a feel for the effort. It's not easy, but it could be manageable, and it's a good workout :-)

And besides, taking the PS out of the equation will yield you better quarter-mile times ;-)

RH77

[SVOboy]

I wonder how toxic PS fluid is...

[Compaq888]

Guys where did you get the idea if I remove my pump this will solve the problem???

The problem will still be the same with no power steering. It will still leak. You need lubrication, otherwise parts break. Then I'll have no steering at all. If the pump was broken I would of just taken it out and be done with it.

Dan what if the boot gets worse and I have to waste a bottle a week, that could get very costly...

[rh77]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

I wonder how toxic PS fluid is...

Well, I know it'll eat the paint off of a car if you spill it on the finish, so probably pretty toxic stuff.

RH77

[rh77]

Originally Posted by Compaq888

Guys where did you get the idea if I remove my pump this will solve the problem???

The problem will still be the same with no power steering. It will still leak. You need lubrication, otherwise parts break. Then I'll have no steering at all. If the pump was broken I would of just taken it out and be done with it.

Dan what if the boot gets worse and I have to waste a bottle a week, that could get very costly...

I don't believe it's really an issue of lubrication. I think the PS pump is simply a hydraulic assist device that receives input from the steering wheel and helps it along through a high-pressure line to the steering rack. All of the other components are sealed and have lubrication of their own. I'm not sure which boot is leaking exactly...I'm thinking it's where the pump line meets the rack, right?

RH77

[JanGeo]

Is it a leak from a split seal or a leaking seal - maybe some PS fluid leak stop will help - something with seal swell in it that will soften the rubber seal material and seal it up better. Often on my front fork seals of my bike all I have to do is change the oil and clean the grit out of the seals and I am good for another year.