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98 Buick Century leaky power steering


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Swooshski
User

Nov 18, 2006, 3:47 PM

Post #1 of 4 (3491 views)
98 Buick Century leaky power steering Sign In

I've got a 98 Buick Century that all of a sudden has started leaking power steering fluid. It seems to be coming from the big nut located on the rack/pinion assembly. If I read things right, this nut is where you would adjust to take the slack out of steering.

Can anyone tell me what's behind that nut? Is there an O-ring there that could possibly be the whole problem to the leak? Can I removed that nut (count # of turns to remove) without screwing anything up?

It's leaking a lot. I can fill up the reservoir, drive about 25 miles and it will be close to empty (not that I do that) ..... but that's probably a best guess just to explain how much it is leaking.

I've never dealt with rack/pinion assy before so I want some advice before I get in too deep. Thanks!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Nov 18, 2006, 7:46 PM

Post #2 of 4 (3486 views)
Re: 98 Buick Century leaky power steering Sign In

Going to really need to know where it is leaking. Try drying it all up and see what you can see or without letting it warm up to much run your finger along lines on the bottom of them. Most leaks will be at the highest place. I haven't had trouble with that block that retains the pinion but who knows? T



Swooshski
User

Nov 20, 2006, 7:21 AM

Post #3 of 4 (3482 views)
Re: 98 Buick Century leaky power steering Sign In

Hey Tom. Thanks for the reply.

I gave everything a good cleaning yesterday and started the engine. You were right. There is a leak in the passenger side dust boot. With engine running I can see fluid bubbling out.

Is there supposed to be fluid within that boot or do I have another problem with some sort of seal too? I called a parts house and they said they sell a 'boot kit' to replace it. I just need to know if there is another problem to look for once I get the boot off.

Like I said, I haven't messed with rack/pinion much .... but I'm learning. Any additional info you can provide is greatly appreciated.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Nov 20, 2006, 9:52 AM

Post #4 of 4 (3479 views)
Re: 98 Buick Century leaky power steering Sign In

Congrats - you've found the souce. It's still tricky as I didn't and don't think the rack and pinion can do this but it sounds like it's involved somehow.

You are on the right track and stay with it till fixed. That boot is so tricky to replace it's almost worth replacing the whole shaft with a rebuilt if it's a problem, T







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