yeah hows your PS fluid level been? if its not low and you havent topped it off in a while than yeah its probably not leaking and probably tore because something else was leaking on it, g'luck!

 

hmm, whats that all about??

 

yea i checked my fluids yesterday, and PS is topped off and full. and a loss of 1qt of oil for my 140k engine every is pretty regular. hopefully i can fit in some work time for this soon. still gotta order the boots.

 

anyone know what type of specialty grease is used inside the tie-rod boot?

 

computer graphics ruined beerfest...otherwise i would've laughed at the reference...gran pa pa?!?

 

alright i gotta bring this up again for second opinions. the linkage has a small layer of grease on it, im not sure if its oil from my rear main seal, or if it was the grease inside the boot. i went to stevens creek subaru and talk to the guys there, they said it only acts as a dust boot and the linkage should be all clean and dry.

is this right? if so all i have to do is clean it and replace the boot.

 

ya thats what I was saying, those arent grease packed like CV joints, its just a dust boot.

 

Just saw my PS boot is torn like yours, but inner rod is dry . Got replacements on subaruparts.com, ~$18 each, plus got the brackets, clamp, etc. in case mine are shot. Plan to do this weekend, wish me luck.

Also saw a youtube video here -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrtQwjjLQFA for this raksok thing - you just disconnect the outer tie rod, slip this condomy thing over the rod end, and then jam the boot over the rod end with the "sok" protecting the boot. Now, they sell you the boot, too, so not sure if it's a super stretchy boot that can withstand more abuse than an OEM part or what. Sure looks better than removing the rod end, even if done carefully to prevent changing the toe angle and needing an alignment. Might have to try this with a thick plastic baggy, if the rod end is not too bulky on the 02's.

good luck!

 

There is no grease inside the boot for your steering rack. Check that the seals aren't leaking (you'll find fluid inside what is left of the boot). If it isn't leaking clean everything off really good and replace the boot and clamps. Easy fix. Parts are readily available.

It isn't like an axle boot that is filled with grease. On an axle the boots are there to hold in the grease that lubricates the joint. On the rack the boots are there to protect the seals from dust/dirt/grime that would cause the seals to fail.

Good luck.