Frustrated! Power Steering problem please advise

[Matthew Mandera]

Picked up a 2014 Tahoe SSV this last November with only 72k on it. Put a leveling kit, wheels/tires, rhino rack, stereo system and a couple other things. Been reliable and I really like the rig.

A few months back i started to notice a sound when turning sharp and realized there was a power steering leak that was gradually getting worse. Decided to try and fix it a couple days ago. I noticed the fluid was coming from the driver side rack and pinion boot that goes over the inner tie rod. The boot had split on one of its seams. Finally got a "Moog rack and pinion bellows kit" today which is just a boot and a couple zip ties. After installing it i added fluid to the reservoir, turned the key to on and started turning the steering wheel from right to left to cycle the fluid. Well, fluid is leaking out from under the boot on the rack side. FML.

I am not a mechanic but am mechanically inclined and have worked on several cars over the years. With that being said I am no expert on power steering systems as that is one thing I have never really had to deal with. I apologize if this is a stupid question but.... is there even supposed to be p.s. fluid in that boot? Shouldn't there just be grease in there and the fluid in the rack, cooler and pump? Is there maybe a seal that is compromised on that side of the rack that is leaking fluid into the boot? If so, can it be easily fixed or do I need a whole new f*%#$ing steering rack?

Here is the kicker, I have an annual week long camping trip that has been planned, leaving Wednesday morning. It is Monday afternoon already. I need my Tahoe to transport all of are gear and to tow the dirt bikes. Need to fix this by Wednesday morning. This is stressing me out.
PLEASE HELP
Any advice or knowledge from someone who has experience with this or something similar will gladly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[UpAndDown]

There shouldn’t be any fluid in that boot. You have a leaking seal. While it’s probably possible to replace the seal on that side while the rack is still in the truck after removing the inner tie rod end, I’ve never heard of anyone doing it. Everyone just installs a rebuilt rack, has the front end aligned and calls it a day. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable on this exact platform will chime in though as I am new to the Tahoe’s myself. Good luck.

 

[wsteele]

Picked up a 2014 Tahoe SSV this last November with only 72k on it. Put a leveling kit, wheels/tires, rhino rack, stereo system and a couple other things. Been reliable and I really like the rig.

A few months back i started to notice a sound when turning sharp and realized there was a power steering leak that was gradually getting worse. Decided to try and fix it a couple days ago. I noticed the fluid was coming from the driver side rack and pinion boot that goes over the inner tie rod. The boot had split on one of its seams. Finally got a "Moog rack and pinion bellows kit" today which is just a boot and a couple zip ties. After installing it i added fluid to the reservoir, turned the key to on and started turning the steering wheel from right to left to cycle the fluid. Well, fluid is leaking out from under the boot on the rack side. FML.

I am not a mechanic but am mechanically inclined and have worked on several cars over the years. With that being said I am no expert on power steering systems as that is one thing I have never really had to deal with. I apologize if this is a stupid question but.... is there even supposed to be p.s. fluid in that boot? Shouldn't there just be grease in there and the fluid in the rack, cooler and pump? Is there maybe a seal that is compromised on that side of the rack that is leaking fluid into the boot? If so, can it be easily fixed or do I need a whole new f*%#$ing steering rack?

Here is the kicker, I have an annual week long camping trip that has been planned, leaving Wednesday morning. It is Monday afternoon already. I need my Tahoe to transport all of are gear and to tow the dirt bikes. Need to fix this by Wednesday morning. This is stressing me out.
PLEASE HELP
Any advice or knowledge from someone who has experience with this or something similar will gladly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

In my shop manual for the 2007 model year, it calls for a replacement steering gear if it is leaking.

I think the fastest way you will get it repaired would be to take it to a dealer (or competent GM oriented independent shop) and have them replace the steering gear. Wednesday sounds tight unless one of them can get you in stat tomorrow.

 

[tom3]

If you decide to do anything yourself be sure to unhook the battery, maybe an air bag fuse too. Sometimes those things can blow with the steering unhooked, from what I've read.

 

[Geotrash]

Picked up a 2014 Tahoe SSV this last November with only 72k on it. Put a leveling kit, wheels/tires, rhino rack, stereo system and a couple other things. Been reliable and I really like the rig.

A few months back i started to notice a sound when turning sharp and realized there was a power steering leak that was gradually getting worse. Decided to try and fix it a couple days ago. I noticed the fluid was coming from the driver side rack and pinion boot that goes over the inner tie rod. The boot had split on one of its seams. Finally got a "Moog rack and pinion bellows kit" today which is just a boot and a couple zip ties. After installing it i added fluid to the reservoir, turned the key to on and started turning the steering wheel from right to left to cycle the fluid. Well, fluid is leaking out from under the boot on the rack side. FML.

I am not a mechanic but am mechanically inclined and have worked on several cars over the years. With that being said I am no expert on power steering systems as that is one thing I have never really had to deal with. I apologize if this is a stupid question but.... is there even supposed to be p.s. fluid in that boot? Shouldn't there just be grease in there and the fluid in the rack, cooler and pump? Is there maybe a seal that is compromised on that side of the rack that is leaking fluid into the boot? If so, can it be easily fixed or do I need a whole new f*%#$ing steering rack?

Here is the kicker, I have an annual week long camping trip that has been planned, leaving Wednesday morning. It is Monday afternoon already. I need my Tahoe to transport all of are gear and to tow the dirt bikes. Need to fix this by Wednesday morning. This is stressing me out.
PLEASE HELP
Any advice or knowledge from someone who has experience with this or something similar will gladly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum. However, you posted your question twice - once in General Topics, and once in Engine and Drivetrain. That creates a lot of extra work and confusion for the people who are taking time out of their days to help you. You only need to post once.

I agree with the others here - your steering rack needs replacing. Rock Auto sells new racks for these trucks for less than $400. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10156956&cc=3305712&pt=7388&jsn=455

 

[wsteele]

Welcome to the forum. However, you posted your question twice - once in General Topics, and once in Engine and Drivetrain. That creates a lot of extra work and confusion for the people who are taking time out of their days to help you. You only need to post once.

I agree with the others here - your steering rack needs replacing. Rock Auto sells new racks for these trucks for less than $400. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10156956&cc=3305712&pt=7388&jsn=455

Actually he started three different threads. I believe him when he says he is stressed out about it.

 

[petethepug]

Yup, the racks can sit around for a while after they’re rebuilt. The seals can get dry & brittle and die under start up. Had an identical thing happen on a VW I still own. Fortunately the Indy tech who installed it didn’t rob me for doing it twice. The rack jobs something I have someone else do that can handle the warranty if it tanks.

Our 08 YXL Denali broke off a mount on it’s rack in the first 30 days. The tech was pissed because he had to eat the labor. I bought him lunch because he replaced it with a better, more pricey rack.

Looks like your in a rental or in needs of a rush job local. That just sucks.

 

[Swaggerwagon]

don’t pull the airbag fuse. For future reference, if your replacing the rack & pinion….at some point before you unhook the ‘steering intermediate shaft’ (that pokes thru the firewall, attaches to the steering column) just take the seat belt, and loop if thru the steering wheel, and buckle it. The reason, is because there’s a ribbon wire under the steering wheel….if the steering wheel spins around freely (rolls 360 degrees)while unhooked from the rack….once you button everything up, and turn the steering wheel close to full-lock, like your backing out of your driveway, you’ll hear a little pop, and the ‘airbag’ warning light will appear on the dash. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I know cause I’ve made this mistake.
Sorry to thread-jack. I’ll show myself to the door‍