Replaced steering rack @ 81K miles...

[nomsg]

The rubber boots were full of steering fluid so the rack was leaking.

Just wondering if this is a common issue with our cars? I am thinking 81K is a bit premature.

Cheers,
TN.

[danewilson77]

Nope. Not common. Do you know the previous history of car?

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[nomsg]

I am the original owner. Bought it 3/2005 and installed Bilstein PSS almost right after. I'm running 235/35-19s on CSLs in summer and 17" rims/tires in winter. The only other suspension related mods are TMS rear shock mounts. Miles are mostly highway.

Along with the rack, tie rods and fcabs (all Lemfeorder) were replaced as well as front PSS struts (lifetime warranty). Rack is remanufactured ZF supplied locally.

TIA

[danewilson77]

We preach doing TB flush on PS fluid every 30k miles-ish. Sounds like seals failed yours though. Not sure if that could have been prevented.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[nomsg]

I guess that is just my (bad) luck!

Just read up on the TB method, seems a bit wasteful but I guess it is the easiest diy option. I have Mike Miller's Old School Maintenance which I follow religiously.

Thanks!