2002 gtp passanger side rack boot leak

[thecrow1986]

the boot on the rack on the passanger side leaks fluid. is there a way to fix it or will it be better to change the whole thing?

[richtazz]

Fluid coming out of the boot indicates a leaking rack seal. Your best bet is to replace the rack and pinion with a new or reman unit.

[tblake]

I second that Rich. I'd also like to add to make sure you go with a stock AC delco unit. Any other R&P assemblies (although may be cheaper) are just junk and will continue to blow seals.

Swapping out the R&P is not a hard job, just time consuming. Dont forget an alignment once you are done.

[thecrow1986]

thanks guys . im changing it tomorrow. how many quarts of power steering fluid does it take?

[tblake]

usually just one full quart.

Just make sure to use plenty of jackstands.... (especially when you begin to lower the subframe.

[tblake]

Also before you go through all the work, make sure your replacement rack is the same one as the one thats in there. GM delaerships seem to not have the right part numbers in their system. I actually ordered the wrong one (even though I gave them my VIN). They gave me one that was not variable assist, and it turns out my car did have variable assist.

Peer in the passenger side wheel well, and look where the steering shaft connects to the rack. If you see an electrical harness coming off your rack, then you have variable assist.

[richtazz]

Good tip Tim. The opiton code (NV7) only applies to SE and GT models without the touring suspension option. Most if not all GTP's from 99-03 had variable assist as standard equipment as far as I have seen, and since it's not an "option" there is no option code in the SPID label list.

[thecrow1986]

i just completed the rack job ..and let me tell you im tired! that was a job and a half. took 6 hours taking my time. now im pretty sure i need a alignment because when i turn it wants to keep turning. had to drop frame and all kinds of stuff so im sure it needs to be straightened up now. when i was taking the rack down it gushed from the boot so it was definetly shot. thanks for all the help guys

[tblake]

6hrs is pretty much the norm on a GTP R&P, I think It took me from 11am to 2:30-3pm, even though I have done many of the before.

Same deal with mine, once I turned the wheel one direction, it seemed to stay there. My alignment angles where very far off.

Nice Job! I'll bet your back/neck and fingers are just sore....