Leaking power steering fluid

[Tombo]

Hey there,
Just wondering of anyone knows the right part number for a 1991 e30 318is e30 near side steering rack gaiter? It's the end part that has come off. Everything on the net just seems to be the gaiter and no the end. It's failed the MOT cos of it so need it sorting. Thanks in advance a‘a

[Brianmoooore]

There are two sorts of rack that might be fitted - one with identical boots at each end, and one with a different design at each end. Part numbers of each are readily available in the online ETKs.
Not quite sure what you're referring to, but if it's a large black plastic washer, filling the gap between the track rod and the hole in the end of the gaiter, then I think that's only available with the track rod.
More important, is the title you've given to this thread. There should be no steering fluid inside the gaiters, and if there is, the rack has failed and needs replacement.

[aimlessrock]

Post some pics so we can see, if the rack is leaking them it needs replacing.

[Tombo]

I'm sure it's leaking from the bottle as one of the pipes are wet. I'll try and get some pics.

[Brianmoooore]

I'm sure it's leaking from the bottle as one of the pipes are wet

This happens to all BMWs that are more than a few years old. The hoses are secured to the bottle by crimped steel rings, and after a while the rubber permanently deforms under the rings, leaving the connection loose and likely to leak fluid.
Solution is to cut the rings off and replace with a couple of heavy duty worm drive clips.

[Tombo]

Thanks, I'll give that a go later. You recon the rack is leaking aswell though eh?

[Brianmoooore]

You recon the rack is leaking aswell though eh?

If the boots on the rack contain any significant of fluid, then the rack seals have failed.
It's not necessarily a disaster regarding MOT tests if the leak is small and you plan ahead. My E39 has had a slow leak from he day I bought it, requiring a top up in the reservoir every three months or so. Come MOT test time, I empty all the fluid out of the boots, and give the area a good wipe down.

[aimlessrock]

sound advice from Brian, but personally I would look to replace the rack with a good used one, put an advert in the wanted section- they are not that expensive.

As an alternative this would be a good idea to look to fit an E46 rack which appears to be a worthy upgrade.

[Tombo]

Yeah heard about them as an upgrade the e30 rack is very slow feel like a bus driver at times