ianae86

Alright guys. This sucks. I was doing some "spirited" driving/corner taking this afternoon when suddenly after I came out of one corner my car began making this god-awful grinding/groaning sound. I reached my destination and when I got back to my car and took off I noticed the car only made the sound when turning left. In fact I could be going straight, then tap the wheel to the left and the sound would grind and then stop when I returned to center. So I got home and removed the left wheel and found this:



That's not good, right? Call me an idiot but I haven't looked up to be sure of what part this is but it shouldn't be oozing grease, that's for damn sure. Can you guys tell me what I'm looking at here and how much freakin' $$ I'm gonna have to spend to fix it. Thanks in advance guys.

I also noticed this bushing looked pretty bad. Could it be related to the sound?:

jameskersten1

Looks like a Tie Rod

ianae86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jameskersten1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Looks like a CV boot and a Tie Rod end</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks for the quick reply. The CV boot appears to be in need of replacement though, right? Can you tell me if I run any risks driving like this a little while or should I try to get it replaced ASAP? Any idea what I might be looking at for a shop to replace both? Thanks again

jameskersten1

after looking closer I edited my post.

ianae86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jameskersten1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">after looking closer I edited my post. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Okay gotcha. So what is it with the tie rod that causes it to leak oil. I looked at an auto parts site at a new one and I don't see what goes wrong to cause the oil leak. Anyways so is it the outer or inner tie rod that causes this problem. It looks like the tie rods you buy replace the bushing and the part that goes into the boot. Thanks again for replying.

jameskersten1

The only thing in that area to leak is the PS rack. That boot is just there to protect the seals around there. Disclaimer, don't take what I am saying as garneteed 100% correct since I can't confirm 100% based on that 1 picture

So assuming I am correct and that is the tie rod in that picture, then the seals on the power steering rack are leaking (not uncommen) and you would either need to replace that seal or replace the rack. Here at work (honda dealership) we recommend replacing the rack.

ianae86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jameskersten1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The only thing in that area to leak is the PS rack. That boot is just there to protect the seals around there. Disclaimer, don't take what I am saying as garneteed 100% correct since I can't confirm 100% based on that 1 picture </TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks man, don't worry about being perfectly right. Any help is greatly appreciated. Can a damaged CV join cause that sort of leak though?

jameskersten1

A cv boot leaking is usually more of a grey/black grease. From the picture and the oil in it, looks redish like PS fluid. Have you checked the axles to be sure? They are easy to see with the wheel off, one is right in the middle of the hub and one is coming out of the trans.

ianae86

Unfortunately I alread put my car back together because it looks like rain. I didn't check anything other than what you see in the pics. I'll probably have to just call around or take it in for an estimate. I'm kinda worried about driving on it though.

tempsohc

the passenger side axle is worn...replace the axle...keep us updated...alright

ianae86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tempsohc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the passenger side axle is worn...replace the axle...keep us updated...alright</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks! So just replacing the axle should fix the leak/noise? Thanks again

jameskersten1

noise? maybe. Leak ? I doubt it

Miracle

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ianae86 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">



</TD></TR></TABLE>

The first picture is the inner side of the tie rod, coming out from the Rack. The boot, and maybe the end itself, needs replacing.

The 2nd pic is the outer tie rod end. If it hasnt had that torn boot for too long, then just the boot needs replacing, If theres no free play in the joint.

A way to check for free play is to lift the car up, with the wheel and tire on, and place your hands at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions.

Move your hands in and out, and if you feel much play in the suspension, then the outer needs replacing as well.

ianae86

I wonder if maybe the leak is what cause the joint to fail in the first place. I thought the guy I bought it from said he had new CV joints put on but you know how that goes....

Miracle

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tempsohc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the passenger side axle is worn...replace the axle...keep us updated...alright</TD></TR></TABLE>

That is not the axle. See my post a few up from here.

There isnt a problem with his axle by what he describes. Only the tie rods would make a noise when turning, and then stop when the wheels returned to center.

A new tie rod MIGHT run about 30 bucks. Its not a hard fix, but if you feel uncomfortable in doing it, take it to a ASE suspension specialist.

Slopoke

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Red_EM2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The first picture is the inner side of the tie rod, coming out from the Rack. The boot, and maybe the end itself, needs replacing.

The 2nd pic is the outer tie rod end. If it hasnt had that torn boot for too long, then just the boot needs replacing, If theres no free play in the joint.

A way to check for free play is to lift the car up, with the wheel and tire on, and place your hands at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions.

Move your hands in and out, and if you feel much play in the suspension, then the outer needs replacing as well.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Correct.

Niether of those pictures are showing a CV joint.

ianae86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Red_EM2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That is not the axle. See my post a few up from here.

There isnt a problem with his axle by what he describes. Only the tie rods would make a noise when turning, and then stop when the wheels returned to center.

A new tie rod MIGHT run about 30 bucks. Its not a hard fix, but if you feel uncomfortable in doing it, take it to a ASE suspension specialist.</TD></TR></TABLE>

So a new one of these then?


But that wouldn't fix the fluid coming out of the boot, right?

Miracle

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slopoke &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Correct.

Niether of those pictures are showing a CV joint.</TD></TR></TABLE>

WeRd. At least someone else knows what they are talking about.

Miracle

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ianae86 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

So a new one of these then?


But that wouldn't fix the fluid coming out of the boot, right?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, that is an outer tie rod end.

Depends on if the seals on the pistons in the rack are gone.

But the broken boot should be the only reason for leakage.

ianae86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Red_EM2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yes, that is an outer tie rod end.

Depends on if the seas on the pistons in the rack are gone.

But the broken boot should be the only reason for leakage.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Okay, so there SHOULD be fluid behind the boot. I pulled the boot back for the picture because I saw fluid in there. I hate calling shops if I don't know what I'm talking about. You guys are being a HUGE help. So again, is it very dangerous to drive short distances like this? The Del Sol is not my daily driver but I'd like to be able to take it in for estimates.

egsleepercivic

don't worry about the boot, just make sure you keep your PS fluid filled. If you replace the tie rod it wouldn't hurt to put a new boot on there. Don't forget to get an alignment if you replace the tie rod.

gl

P.S. there are no pictures of axles in this thread

Miracle

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by egsleepercivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">don't worry about the boot, just make sure you keep your PS fluid filled.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Does the word contamination mean anything to you?

Same here as with a CV boot, you dont want to run it too long with a torn boot, or else you will lose the lubricant, and contaminate the joint. Those boots are there for a specific purpose, and if they arent up to par, theey need to be replaced. If he doesnt replace the inner, he is libel to have to wind up replacing the whole rack.

egsleepercivic

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Red_EM2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Does the word contamination mean anything to you?

Same here as with a CV boot, you dont want to run it too long with a torn boot, or else you will lose the lubricant, and contaminate the joint. Those boots are there for a specific purpose, and if they arent up to par, theey need to be replaced. If he doesnt replace the inner, he is libel to have to wind up replacing the whole rack.</TD></TR></TABLE>

262,000 here and mines look like that for at least 100k, maybe I am just lucky. I admint it is not ideal but I wouldn't worry about it to much, replace it when you can afford it

gl

ianae86

Alright here's another picture for those who care, haha.


So let me get this straight. The grease showing is from where I need a new boot(black rubber thing). Normally all that would be covered? And the noise is from the bushing I showed in the first pictures? Thanks again. Even if I don't fix it myself I'd like to know how it all works.

Miracle

The boot on the Tie Rod, does the same thing as a CV boot. Keeps the grease in, keeps the dirt out.

Your PS fluid is leaking from the inner boot. Your outer joint is covered with a boot, and filled with chassis grease. If that inner boot bursts, then it will allow the grease to spill out, and contaminating the metal joint.

Same thing with the inner boot. If it stays like that too long, you will loose PS fluid, and you will contaminate the fluid in the PS rack.

Leave it like that too long, and you MIGHT have to replace or rebuild the rack.