2legit2quitt

hello guys, a few days ago i put my car up on a lift and took a look at my rack and pinion. First of all the reason i did this is because sometimes as i brake i hear a pop/knock. As i lifted the car and took a look i saw that both booths on both left and right side are ripped and power steering fluid is leaking. My QUESTION is do i have to replace the whole rack and pinion or i can just order some new bushing, inner tie rods, and 2 rubber booths for both left and right side? suggestions/help will be very much appreciated!

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'89 sr20 hatch-sold

az_240

If fluid is leaking from the rack and pinion seals then the rack will need to be rebuilt or replaced.

Also these cars use auto trans fluid as power steering fluid.

2legit2quitt

dang lol these things are sort of expensive ill try to rebuild. its leaking from the rubber booths because they are ripped, thats why i was asking if i can just get new rubber booths and replace my bushings and inner tie rods, but i guess i need a whole new rack and pinion

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'89 sr20 hatch-sold

mitcheyismyname

when you brake, do you also feel a slight or severe jerk in the steering wheel?

cuz i have the same problem, but ive replaced my rack and the problem still persist. my friend narrowed it down to my coilover strut being bad.

2legit2quitt

yes i do! wheel jerks to the right and i hear a pop/knock as well sometimes when braking.

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'89 sr20 hatch-sold

az_240

The rubber boots are not designed to hold the fluid..... They are just there to keep dust out.

The seals inside the rack are what you need to replace.... it's not an easy job from what I hear. Most people take it to a shop or buy reman.

2legit2quitt

I guess it's time for a new rack then lol

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'89 sr20 hatch-sold

dawnattack

not necessarily new...you can get a rebuilt one...i got mine for less than a brand new one and looks and performs as new.

240sohc

I recently replaced my original rack & pinion due to the same issues as yours. I bought a remanufactured one from summitracing.com for $193 plus core charge of $75.00(refundable with return of old rack). The unit came freshly painted with new seals, o-rings, inner tie rods, boots and warranty. I also replaced the power steering pressure line(autozone $75) and return hose as recommended.

or you can get a rebuild kit for around $70 from autozone.

mr.man.performance

Are you sure it's actually leaking fluid or if you're just seeing the inner tie rod's grease...

mr.man.performance

You can get everything separately if you want. I believe frsport and some other venders carry silicon boot replacements. Inner tie rods and a steering rack rebuild kit are easy to find.

rcdad123

the popping noise you hear is not from steering components. check your strut rod bushings or heim joints, if you have heim joints, lubricate them with silicone based lubricants. also check the bolts that hold the strut rods under the radiator core support. when you buy a rebuilt rack and pinion, they usually come with new inner tie rods. if power steering fluid is not actually dripping on the ground from the rack seals, you might just need new boots.