Hi,

New to the thread, hoping the expertise in here can save me some money.

So, I get this whining from the steering pump when idle, and even when driving, though I can't hear it as much when moving. Constant noise. Rack boots are bad, steering fluid leaks out rapidly. I'm guessing that a lot of grime has gotten into the seals of the rack. A mechanic, whom I somewhat trust, says I need new rack and pinion, and I'm guessing a steering pump, too. Is there anything I can do to salvage what I have, short of removing the rack and pinion? That process sounds to in depth for me--I am a novice at repairs.

Thanks,

BigJim

 

sounds like you probably wanna replace both thats were that winning noise is coming is the pump because there's never fluid in it cause it keeps coming out. Sure way to find out if the pump is bad is attach a pressure gauge to it and turn the car on and see if the pump has any pressure

 

i would just replace it all.
im only saying that cuz if you try to order the boots, pump, etc etc. your prob. gonna spend just as much as getting it replaced

GL though

 

I found a rebuilt rack and pinion for 100 bucks, and steering pumps are less than 50. my mechanic wants 600 for parts and labor--ain't that a little stiff? should i supply the parts and let him do the labor? Is this a labor intensive task?

 

the labor is the part that is gonna kill you on price...