Replaced the half-axle on my 1995 Volvo 850 Wagon GLT the other day and noticed that I have a small leak on the driver's side of the rack and pinion (I think). Just behind the hub I can see what looks like the tie-rod and there's a small boot covering it and going into the engine. I believe this the outer tie-rod that connects to the power steering rack.

Well, this small boot is no longer connected to the end of the outer tie rod (the metal clip is still there but the small bit of rubber on the boot that it connects to has torn off). There's a small leak of what looks like power steering fluid coming out of this boot.

Is this something I need to take the entire steering rack out and replace the seals?

And am I seeing this right? The outer tie rod connects to the steering rack and then to the hub?

Thanks for the help.

 

No one? Nothing for me?

 

Ok, I figured out by studying diagrams.... i'm looking at a leak from the boot that covers my inner tie rod (driver's side) and the inner tie rod connects the steering rack to the outer tie rod.

Ok, got it.

Now would the leak be from up in the steering rack and just leaking down through to the inner rod - where i'm seeing it?

A leak wouldn't be a problem with just the inner tie rod would it? Nothing to "leak" there right?

Thanks for the help.

 

My rack has leaks everywhere it seems. I am guessing yours is leaking and running into the boot cause as you said the inner rod does not really have anything to leak. Pain to change rack though. Had my entire engine out for RMS two years ago and did not pay attention to rack. Could have changed it then from the inside the opening where engine was. Now will have to drop subframe some.
Unless it is leaking tons just top it off as needed and run with it.
Rob