'99 ML430 Power steering fluid leak from steering rack boot?

[XxAndrijanXx187]

Hi to everyone. I have a problem with my 99 ML430. I had a power steering fluid leak from the passenger side steering rack boot and I noticed the boot was ripped at the end from the outside of the car. The power steering fluid was all leaked out. So, I bought one online and replaced it myself. Now, the boot bulges up like it is full with fluid. It blows up like a baloon.

I tried bleeding the power steering system by turning the wheel end to end with the car on in PARK, the steering rack boot does deflate a little and I see some drops of power steering fluid leaking from the boot again.

My question is: is there supposed to be fluid inside the steering rack boot normally at all?

Question 2: Is there a seal before the steering rack boot to prevent it from filling up with fluid if the steering rack boot is supposed to be empty?

Thanks in advance.

[swiftwind]

I'm guessing you have a cracked steering fluid hose...you should probably replace it.

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by XxAndrijanXx187

Hi to everyone. I have a problem with my 99 ML430. I had a power steering fluid leak from the passenger side steering rack boot and I noticed the boot was ripped at the end from the outside of the car. The power steering fluid was all leaked out. So, I bought one online and replaced it myself. Now, the boot bulges up like it is full with fluid. It blows up like a baloon.

I tried bleeding the power steering system by turning the wheel end to end with the car on in PARK, the steering rack boot does deflate a little and I see some drops of power steering fluid leaking from the boot again.

My question is: is there supposed to be fluid inside the steering rack boot normally at all?

Question 2: Is there a seal before the steering rack boot to prevent it from filling up with fluid if the steering rack boot is supposed to be empty?

Thanks in advance.

I'm having the same problem with my ML and instead of just replacing the boots I bought the complete steering rack and new hoses. I figured if I'm going have to replace a few components, I might as well change out everything.

I don't think there should be any fluid in the boots from what my tech told me. You have have a problem with the entire rack. If that boots blows up, you'll loose all power steering very quickly, and that could be an issue if you're on the highway.

[XxAndrijanXx187]

swiftwind: If I had a cracked steering fluid hose, do you think the boot would fill up and blow up? I think it would leak out on the ground...

brownbear: The whole steering rack is like 500 bucks online at least, at the stealership it's 2400 bucks... how about that? That's why I'm trying to see if I can fix the problem with some kind of a gasket or seal or something.... I hope I don't have to change the whole steering rack.

[cmitch]

I'm certain you have a bad seal in your rack. Your rack will probably have to be replaced.

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by XxAndrijanXx187

swiftwind: If I had a cracked steering fluid hose, do you think the boot would fill up and blow up? I think it would leak out on the ground...

brownbear: The whole steering rack is like 500 bucks online at least, at the stealership it's 2400 bucks... how about that? That's why I'm trying to see if I can fix the problem with some kind of a gasket or seal or something.... I hope I don't have to change the whole steering rack.

Hi,

I just dropped about $500 for one from German Star. I'm getting it insalled this week. I could have just fixed the boots but I didn't want to have other problems down the road. I drive alot and didn't want it to break down while I'm out of town.

I don't think you can just fix the seal. They are internal and should leak at all. I would look around at getting a refub.

My tech said the labor is about 3.5 hours...so plan for that expense as well.

[fabbrisd1]

Carsteering.com sells a rebuilt rack for $395 + refundable $150 core charge when they receive your bad rack back, if you call them directly usually they will prepay UPS surface both ways..they are good people

[XxAndrijanXx187]

Thanks for the tips guys. I guess I will have to replace the rack from what I hear.

[alphonsohall]

Just to confirm....The rubber boots are there only to keep out dust and dirt, if you find fluid in there it's because the seal has failed. You will need to replace the whole rack unless you can find a company who will refurb it.

[XxAndrijanXx187]

Does anyone know a company that can refurbish the steering rack?