Jaddbo

TLDR can/should I change just this seal without removing steering rack?

Hi all,
just got a 2006 Acura TL (base 3.2). The steering rack is leaking really bad, like idling the car for 30 mins dumped half the reservoir on the ground.

Found the steering input shaft seal leaking, and wondered if its possible to change just that seal without removing the rack? I'm not trying to invest a ton of time/ money into this car so I don't really want to replace the whole rack. I'm not one to worry about a small leak but just the cost of fluid is gonna add up quick on this one. Going to try and throw some Lucas stop leak at it this weekend but I doubt that'll do much for this bad of a leak.




View from under car

Inside cabin

zeta

iTrader: (1)

1) You don't mention how many miles are on the car?

2) As you suggest, it appears there is PS fluid on the outside of the #6 steering grommet B below & it looks to be 'bulging'?
Perhaps that could be changed without removing the rack, though it may be a struggle?




3) However, if the pressurized PS fluid is bypassing any of the seals in the #15 valve sub-assembly or #16 valve housing (red square) below in a high volume, there is no way to get to those components without removing the rack.


4) Therefore, the PS rack should be replaced if your Lucas effort is not the magic bullet remedy.
P.S. Gear Box - 2006 Acura TL 4 Door BASE (NAVIGATION) KA 5AT (acurapartswarehouse.com)