I have a tear in one of the boots and it drained my fluid. Do I have to replace the entire R&P assembly or can I just replace the rubber boot.
This happened today on my home from the store.
I just want to make sure thee dealer doesnt say I need a new R&P when I can just change the boot.

The dealer opens at 0800 any help available before then is appreciated.

Thanks

 

sig

the boot is only there to keep out road crude, if it let fluid out then the shaft seals have let go and replacment is all that is left.

vince

 

Like was mentioned, the boots are there for protection from road debris, mud, etc and tearing up the actual seals. If it did leak fluid, I'm afraid that replacement is your only true fix. As an aside, the R&P aftermarket has them for around $250 or less and it is an easy install. Just need to get a front end alignment after your done.

 

hey osteo, how easy is it to do this for someone with basic knowledge, and is a Haynes or Chilton's manual my best bet for instructions? My girlfriend's truck is having a problem with it leaking, and the stealership wants $800, to me, $250 sounds better

 

Go here to download a factory service manual. After looking at what is all involved, you can then decide if you want to tackle this or not. If not, I suggest you go to an independant mechanic. You'll get the truck fixed at a lower cost than the stealership.

 

I read the steering section twice and cant find info on a seal...soooo what my plan is to buy the bellow kit and check with the dealership for any other parts available.

thanks gents

 

On the steering rack, there is a rod that comes out of each end. It connects with a ball joint to the steering knuckle to move the wheels. Where this rod comes out, there are seals around it keeping the PS fluid inside the R&P housing. The boots are there to keep out mud, debris, etc. If the boots were not there, the constant wiping away of this nasty stuff as the rod moves into and out of the R&P housing ( no jokes please), the seals that hold the PS fluid inside the housing deteriorate faster. This is similar to the rubber boots on shocks. By replacing the boot, you are not solving the problem. You can do as you wish, but replacing the boot is only a temporary "fix" until the R&P fails completely. I could be completely wrong here, but I'm just going on the information I was given.