Question about Power Steering fluid leak

[LowNbroke]

I recently visted a tech for some work and when he had the car up PS fluid was leaking from the boot behind the tire. He told me that my steering (forget what he called it) box or parts have worn out and need to be replaced. This is about a 1200 job from what I was quoted. When i checked the PS resvior it was at level and has been for the last few days. I recall a few months back I had ran out of fluid and I overfilled it (i filled the whole dam thing, doh!) Is there a possibility that all that is overspill finnally making it way out to the floor? Is there an overfill release for the power steering fluid? I dont hear any wining when its low, thanks.

[mjfrizz]

You can get it done for cheaper. Buy a rebuilt rack and call around for more quotes. If you boot is soaking then the seals in your rack are going or are already gone.

[LowNbroke]

You can get it done for cheaper. Buy a rebuilt rack and call around for more quotes. If you boot is soaking then the seals in your rack are going or are already gone.

Is it practical to go with a rebuilt rack rather then a new one?

[Street Nasty]

Is it practical to go with a rebuilt rack rather then a new one?

Yes, because a rebuilt rack will have all new seals/parts. It is most likely leaking from where your inner tie rod is at. The boot is just keeping the fluid from leaking out so badly. You might as well replace your tie rods also, I think a rebuilt rack comes with new inner, so you would just need new ends. You can try testing it out by removing the boot and turning the wheel from left to right with the car on while someone observes to see if it gushes out.

[LowNbroke]

Yes, because a rebuilt rack will have all new seals/parts. It is most likely leaking from where your inner tie rod is at. The boot is just keeping the fluid from leaking out so badly. You might as well replace your tie rods also, I think a rebuilt rack comes with new inner, so you would just need new ends. You can try testing it out by removing the boot and turning the wheel from left to right with the car on while someone observes to see if it gushes out.

Thanks for the posts, I am going with a rebuilt...I swear man everytime I try to save for a K04 something else breaks on my Avant maybe its time to upgrade the entire car.

[cdn20valve]

So get some stop leak in there, and hope for the best. that is what I did Lucas Power steering stop leak. My rack has been holding for 3 years now.

[LowNbroke]

So get some stop leak in there, and hope for the best. that is what I did Lucas Power steering stop leak. My rack has been holding for 3 years now.

Makes sense! I first noticed this leak about 4 weeks ago and since then i have the car up on a lift this past Monday and a small puddle formed BUT after the car was down I checked my steering res and its was normal! So Im wondering if all this is just overflow.

[Bische]

I got a leaking rack too, it started one morning when it was -34c outside, i refilled it and it has not leaked anymore since.

Be sure to refill with the OEM fluid as any other brand mixed with your current, will over time eat up the seals.
Someone maybe knows the part# for the OEM fluid?