Could someone identify this part?

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PhillyPath
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Could someone identify this part?

Postby PhillyPath » Wed Jan 16, 2019 12:47 pm

Image


It's the part with the open boot. Noticed this doing an oil change and how hard would it be to replace this part.


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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Wed Jan 16, 2019 2:09 pm

Fixed the pic display for you :)

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smj999smj
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Postby smj999smj » Thu Jan 17, 2019 1:04 am

The boot that is torn open is called a power steering rack & pinion "bellows" or "boot," depending on the manufacturer. It probably got destroyed by all of that oil all over the place. The bellows is relatively simple to replace: purchase a R&P bellows (or "boot") kit. Most of pinch clamps at each end with you can cut off. Some Nissan bellows just use a rubber "O" ring at the smaller end to apply tension. After removing the clamps, you'll need to loosen the outer tie rod end lock nut and then separate the outer tie rod end from the knuckle and remove the outer tie rod end and lock nut (removing the wheel may be necessary and I recommend counting the number of threads from the locknut towards the steering rack to help get the toe relatively close when you re-install the outer tie rod end). There also may be a small vent hose or metal line (sometimes called a "transfer tube") attached to the boot with a small pinch clamp; remove this as well, if applies. Remove and old bellows and slide it off of the inner tie rod. Place the inner clamp on the bellows. I like to use silicone spray or WD40on the inside of the bellows to help get it onto rack and pinion. Install the bellows over the inner tie rod and around the end of the rack and pinion (install the transfer tube or vent hose, if applies, and pinch clamp. There is usually a groove on the inner tie rod shaft where the outer end of the bellows seats. Once in position, tighten or pinch the clamps to secure the bellows. Reinstall the outer tie rod end locknut and outer tie rod end and try to get it into the same position as before. Install the outer tie rod end tapered bolt into the steering knuckle and install the nut, tighten to specs, and install a new cotter pin if it has one. Tighten the locknut inside of the outer tie rod end to lock in place. Reinstall the wheel and skid plate, if removed. I would highly recommend getting a wheel alignment performed ASAP to make sure the R&R of the outer tie rod didn't result in changing the toe setting.

Before you do this, confirm where all of the oil is coming from. If it is power steering fluid coming out of the rack and pinion end seal, you would be best to forget about the bellows and replace the rack and pinion assembly. Power steering hoses can also leak, especially the suction hose and/or return hose at the reservoir. P/S pumps can also leak at the front seal or the gasket. They can be resealed or the pump replaced. If it's engine oil, you'll need to figure where it's coming from. If it's a VQ engine, a leaking front crank seal will spray oil all over the place. Also, the oil cooler, the part that the oil filter mounts to, has an "O" seal that often leaks. It's not a major job to replace and many parts stores carry them, as well as the dealer. Dorman Parts and Fel-pro both offer them. If it's a VG engine, a badly leaking camshaft seal on the right bank could cause this. A leaking valve cover gasket might also do this. If you don't fix the leak, eventually, the same thing will happen over time.


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