So, I just got back from Les Schwab who did a fresh aliglnment; it wasn't too off. I was informed that the steering boot is torn and the seal on the steering rack is leaking. The boot I'm not so worried about, it can be replaced inexpensively, the leak however is of great concern. Is there some way I can deal with this, even if it's only for a year or so without spending $700+ that I don't have at the moment.

 

I'm planning on doing some tune up stuff this weekend, new fuel filter, O2 sensor, spark plugs. What kind of plugs do people out there use?

 

The plug wires were replaced about 30k ago so they should still fine, right?

 

Anything else I should do while I'm gettin' greasy?

Many members here swear by NGK Vgroove (standard copper plugs). I swear by NGK Iridium, but platinum is fine. NGK Iridiums seem to be less expensive here. Sure thing Iridium and Platinum last longer and give at least as strong a spark as copper. They claim the small positive tip makes for a healtier spark when cold starting. It makes sense to me.

So, I just got back from Les Schwab who did a fresh aliglnment; it wasn't too off. I was informed that the steering boot is torn and the seal on the steering rack is leaking. The boot I'm not so worried about, it can be replaced inexpensively, the leak however is of great concern. Is there some way I can deal with this, even if it's only for a year or so without spending $700+ that I don't have at the moment.

 

 

Depends upon how bad the rack leak is. The problem is winter is coming. Leaky racks can sometimes be a bear to operate untill they warm up.

i would just keep feeding it PS fluid as long as its not dripping on the exhaust pipes smoking you out of the car.

Rack and pinion units are basically "power assist". Worse comes to worse you take the fan belt off the ps pump nag drive it as manual rack. I dont know if anyone else has done here, but the final option is to disconnect the hoses, drain the system. this way its a manual rack and your not fighting to push the fluid through the system.

Is that the price a used rack goes for at a junkyard? that sounds like arebuilt one.

 

 

nipper

Yeah, it's rebuilt, installed, and aligned.

 

Depends upon how bad the rack leak is. The problem is winter is coming. Leaky racks can sometimes be a bear to operate untill they warm up.

i would just keep feeding it PS fluid as long as its not dripping on the exhaust pipes smoking you out of the car.

Rack and pinion units are basically "power assist". Worse comes to worse you take the fan belt off the ps pump nag drive it as manual rack. I dont know if anyone else has done here, but the final option is to disconnect the hoses, drain the system. this way its a manual rack and your not fighting to push the fluid through the system.

Is that the price a used rack goes for at a junkyard? that sounds like arebuilt one.

 

 

nipper