riffraff4201969
CEG'er
From reading the posts, I seem to have a common tale to tell: Power Steering whine, then moderate loss of PS fluid, then a flood...total loss of PS, which has to be more annoying than sitting on a hard bench with a raging pack of hemorrhoids. There was a large [3-4 inches] rip/tear in the passenger side inner tie rod boot and the boot was saturated with PS fluid. No other leaks were apparent--the lines appear to be in good shape. Boot was replaced but leak from R&P [inner tie rod area under the old boot was heavily contaminated with grit] assembly continues.
1. From what has been posted, can I assume that the old R&P's side seal has failed and the entire R&P unit [which, to be fair, is almost a decade old and has about 100k miles on it] is toast and must be replaced?
2. Is there any other alternative to replacing the entire old R&P unit?--aside from getting used to a car without power steering? I don't suppose the defective seal can be independently replaced? This question is asked out of a deep sense of denial more than anything else, I guess. From what I've read in the Chilton's Manual, a R&P replacement appears to be involved and in all respects a HUGE pain in the ass. However, even at the cheapest mechanic's quote doing it myself will save me $500.00.
3. Anyone out there ever done this themselves? Any hints or suggestions? Is there any aspect of the replacement you found especially difficult? Etc., etc.
1. From what has been posted, can I assume that the old R&P's side seal has failed and the entire R&P unit [which, to be fair, is almost a decade old and has about 100k miles on it] is toast and must be replaced?
2. Is there any other alternative to replacing the entire old R&P unit?--aside from getting used to a car without power steering? I don't suppose the defective seal can be independently replaced? This question is asked out of a deep sense of denial more than anything else, I guess. From what I've read in the Chilton's Manual, a R&P replacement appears to be involved and in all respects a HUGE pain in the ass. However, even at the cheapest mechanic's quote doing it myself will save me $500.00.
3. Anyone out there ever done this themselves? Any hints or suggestions? Is there any aspect of the replacement you found especially difficult? Etc., etc.