my power steering pumping has been making some squealing for a couple months and under high RPM mid-turn some times the steering feels almost as it's locked up.
I cycled a couple bottles of power steering fluid through the system which didn't help at all. from everything i've read online and talking to a few mechanics the power steering pump is likely bad.

Sooo......

Today I go to change my oil and notice the drivers side of the steering rack is dripping wet with oil. turns out the seal/boot covering drive shaft thing that the steering column connects to is ripped/torn so bad that it moves about without effort. I pushed it back to where it was but i'm fairly certain that I should also replace the steering rack & pinion as there could be gunk getting in to the gears which I imagine wouldn't be a good thing.


my final question is: Where do I buy the replacement pump & rack?
I can get both as A-1 Cardone replacement/rebuild parts from rockauto.com for $504 shipped($115 total core charges); Or $605 from Napa Autoparts Online($127 core charge).

i've replaced a steering rack before and I can imagine the pump isn't that difficult but this is probably an all day job for a non-pro mechanic like me.

Any comments, input from the BAIC community is appreciated!

 

http://www.specializedpartsplanet.co...tion.php?id=32

Subaru wrecking yard. Lots of parts for a good price. I got a power steering pump from them about a year in a half ago for about $140

 

yeah search your local junkyard for it. I almost needed one and able to find one for $80-$150.

The replacing the pump is actually really easy too. just make sure to jack up the car and bleed the system afterward.

 

my feeling is that a rebuilt part would be more reliable than a junkyard part that has zero guarantee. Cost seems to be about the same.