Boot Leak

[kgraf]

I've joined the ranks of the thousands of other 944 owners who have power steering leaks.

Finally seemed to have found the cause of my leak (after changing clamps, etc..) I noticed some hairline cracks in the steering linkage boots.

Can anyone share their experiences with removal and replacement

Thanks

[Britwrench]

If the rack boots are leaking oil then the rack is leaking internally.
The boots should be, but rarely are, dry inside. Replacing the boots will not cure any leaks, it just allows oil to build up inside. Minimal amount on oil in the boot is ok, just keep an eye on the level and amount of oil in the boots. Basically, if there is a lot of oil in the boots you need to reseal or replace the rack.

[hpaulb]

Think about rebiulding the steering rack. I just finished mine although I made a mistake but puting one in backwards, then had to take it all apart and replace it. Go to Rennbay. Their the only ones with the kit. A big mess but keep everything clean and it will go well. No more leaking. Gives you everything except the boot air balance tube. Got a clear one at the local parts place. Excellent support as well. Complete instruction on his site as well as clarks-garage with pictures.

[IceShark]

Yeah, Britwrench, replacing the boots are not going to fix leaks as they are just to keep grime off the shafts. Though they may have caused the problem by letting grit build up on the shafts and chewed up the seals.

Those boots are sort of a pain to replace with the rack on the car. You need to knock off the tie rods and slip on the new boots. Given the tight quarters it is quite the trick to get the inner most seal of the boot in place properly. I did it but wonder if it would have been easier to have just dropped the rack.

[kgraf]

Thanks Guys. Diagnosis was right on track.
I think I'm going to go with replacing the rack
I did some research on rack costs and noticed they vary from $250 (steeringrack.com) to ZF ($549) for the short rack (no tie rods or boots)

Any suggestions?

[IceShark]

You can rebuild yourself or get the whole thing. The problem is the tie rods that connect to the pistons is that they are held on in a very primitive fashon. It is a ball joint with the pistons peened oner the ball to hold them captive. So you need to cut the edge apart then peen the joint back together and hope you have enough metal left to give you a secure attachment.

If you are afraid of this just get a whole new rebuilt rack where someone that has done it a few times rebuilt it.