Power Steering Leak

Post Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:53 pm

Hey all,
Have a quick question about the steering rack on an '87 E30, for which the Bently Manual states there are no servicable parts (should be my first clue.) Anyhow, my wife's losing a LOT of power steering fluid, and I thought hopefully that it was just because of a loose hose clamp, but as I took a closer look at the steering rack and had her turning the wheels, I found a really big tear in the left hand rubber boot. It's just pouring fluid when the wheels turn to the right and the boot compresses.

Not what I wanted to see at all. I was curious if any of you all had some experience with the rack and pinion steering on these cars and whether or not I may be able to just replace the rubber boot, or if I'll have to replace the entire rack. I have a really bad feeling I'll have to replace the whole rack, but am still holding out a sliver of hope that the boot could be replaced separately. Thanks for any help you all may be able to provide!!

Post Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:25 am

Hi Mr Wabbit.

The rubber boots are only there to protect the gear teeth from crud which is thrown up from the road. Although you should expect some fluid to leak from the rack over 20ish years there shouldn't be LOTS of it.

I would start by removing the old bellow and checking the rack to see if it has a bad leak.

if you dont see any signs of a leak, just replace the boot.

Have you observed any considerable loss of fluid from the fluid tank? if not i wouldn't worry too much.

Post Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:27 am

Sorry to break it to you but the seals in the rack itself are gone, the boots are just dust covers more than anything else.

You dhould be able to get it sorted though by getting your rack reconditioned which shouldn't be that expensive (about 100 UK Pounds + fitting)

Hope this helps

Andy

Post Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:43 am

Damn, I was just thinking that having fluid leaking from the tie rod boot was one thing, and that it could be replaced, but the thought crossed my mind that just maybe, there shouldn't be any fluid in the boot to begin with; just what both of you are saying. Crap, I guess I'll start calling around to see how much it'll cost to recondition the rack. The replacements I've seen are costing anywhere from 200 to 450 USD. I really don't want to have to replace the whole thing. Thanks guys for your input! Much appreciated.

Post Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:27 am

I think the seals are available as a kit in the US.

Post Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:47 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:I think the seals are available as a kit in the US.

I can get a seal kit for about $60, but I haven't found any procedures on how to refurbish the steering rack, so, it'll have to be an experiment for me. The plan I have in my head right now is to buy a new seal kit, and two replacement tie rod boots, then head to our local junk yard, and pull the steering rack out of one of their E30's for cheap so that I have an extra that I can work on. Then what I can do is try and refurbish one of the two racks I have and install that fresh one in the car.

What I'd really like to do is document the whole process as I do it with pictures and descriptions so that this procedure can be passed on to the greater community, if you all might find that valuable. Just let me know how best to do that.