ALPOC Message Board

BarryG · Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 7:44 am Post subject: power steering leak

The '93 SE is leaking fluid from the dust boot on the driver's side. Is that an indication of a seal inside it gone bad? Would only replacing the boot be the answer?

B
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PSE driver · Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 7:32 pm Post subject:

Wish i could say. To my knowledge I've never had to fool with anything steering related on a vehicle other than taking loose tie rod ends.
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FelipeT · Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 11:07 am Post subject:

Unfortunately, I would have to say no. The dust boot is just that. You have a leak on the seal. It might be possible to replace that seal, but it would probably be more feasible to just replace the rack with a rebuilt unit.
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BarryG · Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 11:43 am Post subject:

I knew it was a seal on the inside. Had that problem before on a Capri.
I don't relish replacing the rack. I also don't like the idea that Amber's car will be out of commission for the duration because the rack depends on lubrication that is leaking out to avert wear.

Barry
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BarryG · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 7:32 am Post subject:

I have a rack on the way. Any tips for the install?
B
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FelipeT · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 5:54 am Post subject:

Hmmm... Come to think of it, not really. I've never put one back in, only taken them out!

OK, no tips other than these:

before

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BarryG · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 11:07 am Post subject:

Thanks again!
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BarryG · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 5:54 pm Post subject:

I have been putting this off. Obviously. The white '91 has been pressed back into use. Until Friday it worked fine. Then either the radiator or the lower hose blew. Now she has no car.
So, this forced the issue of installing the new rack (or repairing the rad in the old '91). We started on it yesterday before noon. Shortly after one o'clock the rain and lightning came. We were forced inside and to leave the work for today since I had to work last night. I overslept today so we got started on it sometime just before lunch. Now, after half a day, we have the old rack out!!!!!!!!!!

Naturally, there is a difference of opinion on which side to remove the rack from between PT and the shop manual. In this case PT won. Getting it out through the driver's side would have required dropping the sub frame (!). Still had to rotate & manipulate to come out the passenger side but that wasn't all that bad.
I hope we remember where everything goes.
I also hope I never have to do this again. It's a PITA.

B
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BarryG · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:13 pm Post subject:

The new rack is in the car but not really connected to anything.
Kinda hard to put the U-joint back on the steering column shaft. Still haven't managed to do it.
B
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BarryG · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:42 pm Post subject:

It is all put together now and seems to run fine. We're getting an alignment in the morning.
B
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FelipeT · Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 6:54 am Post subject:

Glad to hear that ordeal is over for you.

For me the rack was where I drew the line on Lindsey's Stanza. I told her that if I ever had to replace it, that was when we would officially consider the car dead. Fortunately, she has sold it and last I heard it can be seen driving around the outskirts of Opelika somewhere.
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BarryG · Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 10:03 pm Post subject:

Well, when you don't have a choice you have to do the work. Fortunately all seems to be well. She is reporting a little increased steering effort but that should work itself out.
When she told the alignment guy that we had replaced the rack he seemed impressed.

If I had to do it over again I'm sure I could have it done in a day or less. I just don't think I want to do it on the V6.
Barry
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