PS leak from tie rod boot

[zpyro]

so my PS fluid is leaking like no other, from the passenger side. it lands on the exhaust, smoking a bunch when I park after driving. after getting under the car, cleaning all the fluid and grime from everything, topping off the fluid, running the car and turning the wheel from full left to full right and back a few times, I found that the leak is coming from the passenger side tie rod boot, where it is clamped to the rack. could this just be a matter of the clamp coming loose and/or sliding partly off the rack? or would I need a new tie rod altogether? it's a pretty substantial leak, when I try to parallel park in front of my house I leave big trails of ps fluid on the ground.

also, I noticed that, on both sides, on what I think is the sway bar, is a white plastic "bar", and the top bolt one one is almost completely off, the other is missing. oh, and the CV boot on the passenger side is torn

 

[Ishodu]

Your rack seals are leaking, filling up the boot enough to have to drain out.

 

[jedhead]

The leak is most likely coming from the rack. The plastic pieces connect the sway bar to the strut; you can get replacements from NAPA or Autozone for about $35 ea. If get the boot replaced right away you may be able to save the CV joint. If it has been torn or driven in the rain torn, you will most likely have to have the half-shaft replaced or rebuilt.

Bob

 

[zpyro]

so how do i fix the rack leak? the sway bar endlinks are really not concerning me right now, they arent a fire hazard. those would just require another bolt to replace the missing one and tightening them down.

do i have to replace the rack?

 

[etc1006]

See if it won't leak in a certain position. That way you wont keep losing fluid all the time. I had to do this on my old Mark VII, til I had the time to put in another rack. Your best bet is to replace.

 

[projectSHO89]

so how do i fix the rack leak? the sway bar endlinks are really not concerning me right now, they arent a fire hazard. those would just require another bolt to replace the missing one and tightening them down.

do i have to replace the rack?

Yes, if you want the leak to stop. PITA.

Steve