Rack and Pinion leak, please help! ;)

[littlerobinho]

Gentlemen,
I am unsure which sub-forum this subject falls under but I figure I'd drop it here and maybe admin can relocate it if necessary. So, here it goes.

I recently noticed that at speeds 45mph+when I turn slightly to the right on the highway my wheel will shake and the right side of the car will shake as well. It is not extremely violent but there is obviously something wrong. Shortly after, I notice the smell of power steering fluid. When I look under the car there is power steering fluid slowly (and consistently) leaking from a little "nipple" on the steering rack. My mechanic friend says the rack is shot and needs to be replaced. What does it sound like to you guys? Do I go to the dealer for a new rack, online or go used? This car has been great to me and I want to do what is best for the car long term. Thanks!!!

Rob

P.S. Car alignment is off and drifts to left at higher speeds

[robcarync]

as a general rule of thumb...don't ever go to a dealer :P

Not sure if the wheel shaking is because of a power steering fluid leak though. Mine was leaking power steering fluid, and you knew it because it would make a loud whining/squealing sound when you turned the wheel either way. My leak, I thought it was from the rack and pinion, but upon further investigation, it was from the rubber hose that goes up to the power steering fluid reservoir. It looked like the fluid was coming from the rack and pinion, but it was really the fluid leaking at the reservoir, dripping down the hose, and getting all over the rack.

Now you said it is leaking from a nipple on the rack...is it a nipple at a junction where a hose connects to it? I don't recall which nipple it is, but if it is a little nipple thats leaking, I'd hate to replace the entire rack for that.

You can also try Lucas power steering stop leak...it is essentially a very viscous power steering fluid...generally thick enough that it won't leak out of loose seals and rings or gaskets. Works wonders on my Nissan Xterra...steering gear replacement is 2k at the dealer! Not a "proper fix" but for a cost benefit analysis...tough to beat it with no real harmful effects.

So as of right now, I would not replace the rack yet...but keep an eye on it

[littlerobinho]

robcarync,
Thanks for your reply! I will take a picture of the leak and post it. But my mechanic is certain that the rack is toast. I will look into that lucas Power steering fluid. Also, I went out into a parking lot and did donuts left/right and reverse left/right with the wheel turned to both extremes. I did not hear that noise you are talking about so add that into the equation. Let me know your thoughts. If not the dealer for a rack then where? I've never dealt with this issue. Thanks again.

[robcarync]

Dealers will always rip you off...dealer = last resort. Mega expensive!

First, when you say your wheel shakes, do you mean steering wheel or tire/rim vibration?

1) I would investigate the leak/wheel shake more before replacing the entire rack. I have not heard of the rack leaking causing a vibration...I'm no expert though...it could be the rack, but I would do some more testing first...IE check tire wear, rotate tires, maybe get an alignment since you know it's out...check your brakes...worn pads or stuck caliper pistons can cause funny vibrations. My initial guess is that the wheel shaking is independent of the PS fluid leak.

2) If you have a sizeable PS fluid leak, you WILL get the high pitched whining/squeal/groan/creak sounds once the fluid gets low enough...that's the sound of the pump trying to pump when there isn't enough fluid. If your leak is not leaving puddles on the ground, and you don't have squeal yet, I would wait it out some while investigating.

3) Most people I have heard from have PS fluid leaks from hoses...the raw metal mechanical parts rarely just...fail. It is the rubber o-rings, gaskets, seals, etc that are the weakest link and will cause a leak. Meaning, you can rebuild your rack yourself, buy a rebuilt unit or a used unit from ebay, or use some power steering stop leak and see if that fixes the leak.

For reference, my Nissan Xterra power steering gear was $1800 just for the part from the dealer...brand new complete gear case. Crazy. Rebuilt unit from NAPA was ~$300...a rebuild kit with the seals/gaskets to rebuild your current gear was ~$45...Lucas power steering stop leak was ~$5.

I started with Lucas PS stop leak from Wal mart, and never did anything else. Not a "root cause" fix, but for $1795 I will accept it.

My 318ti, like I said, leaked at the hose. I Cut about 1/2" off the end of the hose, got a new clamp, and re seated on the reservoir...and refilled with stop leak. Problem solved.

Anyway, like I said, I am no expert at steering racks, but before I replaced the whole thing, I would try a few other things first

Probably what I would do, is just keep driving it while rotating tires, checking brakes, etc. Check the fluid level occasionally. Once it gets kind of low...or when it makes a squealing sound, just top it off with Lucas PS Stop Leak. it is designed to be mixed with your current fluid like that-no draining needed. Ideally, it is a long term kind of process...top off with stop leak...drive a while...check fluid levels...top off some more, and don't add cumulatively more than 2 of the bottles...if it's still leaking then you need a rebuild.

[mampakiki]

Thanks robcarync! I was told by the mechanic today that my rack and pinion is leaking. Your info is helpful. I know my fluid is low because I am getting the power steering pump whine, but it goes away after the car warms up. I am precarious about everything when it comes to my ti. I am gonna try the stop leak for sure after seeing your advice and reading their websites info.