Power Steering Leak at Boot

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 12:52 PM

I havent posted on here in awhile, but i need some help.
I recently developed a leak which went from bad to worse coming from the DS Rack boot.
I lost all power steering, so i jacked it up and took a look, The smaller clamp holding the boot onto the inner tie rod was off and fluid was gushing out of the boot.
I figured i would just throw a heavier duty clamp onto the boot, but it held for a day and my leak persist.

Martin was cool enough to pull up the ETKA for me, I guess what im confused about is how much fluid and pressure is in the rack at the boots..

to me it seems unless there is an internal seal issue, or im getting an abnormal amount of pressurized fluid in the boot, replacing the boot/clamps and o ring should be enough to solve my problem right?

anyone else experience similiar issues?

any input would be greatly appreciated!
cheers

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 01:02 PM

Hugh at Europa has a boot and clamp kit, the o ring is about 5$, I mainly just am concerned that my rack is leaking internally and there is too much pressure at the boot, causing it to blow off?
the small clamp was really quite weak, I was able to squeeze it together with my fingers.

**CorneliusRox** · 04-10-2014 01:08 PM

That boot is a dust shield. It has nothing to do with your oil leak. You need to replace the seal on the end of the rack. I don't know if you can or if you just need to get a new rack/pinion?

**FraggyA4** · 04-10-2014 01:13 PM

Yeah that's kind of a big job you have to drip the sub frame to get the rack and pinion. and I'm pretty sure you have to replace the whole thing.

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 01:19 PM

I dont see a seal for the rack on that ETKA screen. I know the rack is unserviceable :/

the Oring keeps the fluid in DAS BOOT. according to part descriptions on Europaparts
"OEM steering rack boot.
-Includes both clamps. Inside diameter: 19 mm & 64 mm. The steering rack holds your power steering fluid, the boot keeps it from leaking out. A faulty one can cause excessive power steering fluid loss."
http://www.europaparts.com/steering-...8e0419831.html

I guess its that description that is throwing me off^^

**FraggyA4** · 04-10-2014 01:22 PM

The boot contain grease but not fluid. if the boot is dry you need to add a whole package of grease to it and then seal up the boot.

**FraggyA4** · 04-10-2014 01:23 PM

You could try replacing part 2 on the diagram.

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by FraggyA4

The boot contain grease but not fluid. if the boot is dry you need to add a whole package of grease to it and then seal up the boot.

but if the boot is "dry"
why do all part descriptions for it contain these words
A faulty one can cause excessive power steering fluid loss."

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 01:27 PM

heres the description from ECS
"keeps your power steering fluid in the rack where it belongs"
"leaking power steering boots can cause serious damage to the system by letting fluid escape"

what gets me, is that ive never seen a wet boot system on any other car, so what you guys are saying makes sense..but it is an audi lol

**mec** · 04-10-2014 01:31 PM

Looks like there should not be fluid in the boot but if there is it signifies a rack leak and the rack is nonserviceable, which is German for you can totally repair it, but buy a new one because it was designed by a madman

**FraggyA4** · 04-10-2014 01:33 PM

I have no clue, but the boot should be filled with a lot of grease it's basically what keeps the shaft lubricated. It looks like the seal on your rack is pretty beat.

**mec** · 04-10-2014 01:33 PM

Pm me your e-mail when you get a chance

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 01:37 PM

thanks guys that pretty much clears it up.
I'm guessing the reason no seal is visibale on the diagram is because of the "non serviceability" of the rack.

not really what I wanted to hear, but I guess any answer is better than no answer.
thanks again Martin

I'll PM you now

**vce1232000** · 04-10-2014 01:40 PM

Most likely the shaft is scored and damaged the seal

. The rack shaft seal is a non serviceable item

. With the shaft being possible scored. It doesn't matter anyway

. You will need a new or rebuilt rack

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 02:02 PM

They are on eBay for 200$
I've seen them some other places too, anybody know the best place to buy one?

**Obsidian** · 04-10-2014 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by DRAKLORE

They are on eBay for 200$
I've seen them some other places too, anybody know the best place to buy one?

Get the P/N and check GAP.

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Obsidian

Get the P/N and check GAP.

...
I'm not looking to spend 900$ :/ (even if I had it)

http://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/in...&siteid=214407

This is the part number for anyone else searching
8E1422054BX

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 02:15 PM

I guess I should of specified, when I said "best", I meant "where can I spend the least and still get a working part"

**mec** · 04-10-2014 02:25 PM

There is a variety of racks, so make sure you get the same exact one that you currently have

**vce1232000** · 04-10-2014 04:03 PM

Follow link http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,carc...,parttype,7388

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by vce1232000

Follow link http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,carc...,parttype,7388

Thank you, looks like this is the right one for me
I'll shop around
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...omplete%2BUnit

**PDX04a4** · 04-10-2014 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by mec

There is a variety of racks, so make sure you get the same exact one that you currently have

This is very important, if I remember correctly there are different rack models even among the same drivetrain (ie multiple racks for manuals and multiple racks for tip's). Make sure you pull the model number from your rack and get a match.

**Obsidian** · 04-10-2014 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by DRAKLORE

...
I'm not looking to spend 900$ :/ (even if I had it)

http://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/in...&siteid=214407

This is the part number for anyone else searching
8E1422054BX

I understand. FCP Euro has them for $1k and I can give you a coupon code for 10% off if that helps any... brings you down to $900.00...

**mec** · 04-10-2014 04:59 PM

Interesting...ETKA shows only two options for 4-6 cyl both are LHD

8e1 422 054 B
8e1 422 054 BX

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 05:01 PM

X maybe is the heavy duty for Quattro?

I am willing to bet they are all practically identical

**Obsidian** · 04-10-2014 05:03 PM

Do you have any local "Pick-a-Part"? Might be a cheap option to look into or a part out on CL?

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by mec

Interesting...ETKA shows only two options for 4-6 cyl both are LHD

8e1 422 054 B
8e1 422 054 BX

Never mind I figured it out, the x on the end simply
Means it's rebuilt.

**mec** · 04-10-2014 05:05 PM

Doesn't say... but Ebay shows a slew or part numbers. I would try to get under the car, remove the shield and see if you can get a part number from it. This advertisement shows very well where the part number is:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-09-AUD...8ca30c&vxp=mtr

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 05:07 PM

Some good info in this thread:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ack-an-upgrade

The rack from an B7 S4/RS4 will fit and has a tighter ratio

The difference between the B6 and B7 rack is that the B7 has a hookup for power assist, this is what is disabled when you do the relay mod

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 05:12 PM

That convertible rack is cheap and has low miles, but the part number is different :/
I would bet it's the same

**vce1232000** · 04-10-2014 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by DRAKLORE

That convertible rack is cheap and has low miles, but the part number is different :/
I would bet it's the same

Put duct tape over it and you'll never know or feel the difference

.....lol

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 05:16 PM

Practically every rack I have seen so far is a 8E142207... :/

I'll keep you updated with what I get
Also, thanks for the removal procedures Martin!

**mec** · 04-10-2014 05:19 PM

No problem!

Interesting about the rs4 rack...but will it hook up the same as an a4? the banjo fittings have to be in the same places or you will need to make custom lines

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 05:26 PM

Everything is the same, there are B6 guys running RS4 racks, said everything is the same

**mec** · 04-10-2014 05:30 PM

Right on! well if they are the same rack then Im sure it would be cheaper to get an s4 rack. any local places have s4's? if not might have to get one off ebay

**CorneliusRox** · 04-10-2014 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by DRAKLORE

thanks guys that pretty much clears it up.
I'm guessing the reason no seal is visibale on the diagram is because of the "non serviceability" of the rack.

not really what I wanted to hear, but I guess any answer is better than no answer.
thanks again Martin

I'll PM you now

Psh, I answer your question almost immediately and Martin gets all the credit?!
jk jk ;-)

**DRAKLORE** · 04-10-2014 05:35 PM

Well I just bought a used rack from an 07 with 100,000miles.
Car had damage to the grille only with deployed airbag. It was a sedan/Quattro 2.0T
Unless they went around changing bolt holes and line sizes, I should be good.

Lifetime warranty too, so hopefully it does the job.
Anyways, thanks for all the help :) I'll post up after the job is done