The accordion looking deals on the end of the rack housing are called bellows, they are just there to prevent dirt and debris from getting to the real seals.

 

If you knew what you're doing and have the correct tools it can be done at home.

I can tell by your questions you don't know enough to re-seal at home, and you wont have the tools.

 

I have re-sealed, installed re-mans, and installed new....all depends on how much you want to spend.

do you want to pay for a re-seal and hope the rack housing is still good.

or if you buy a re-man how much of a gambler that you will get a good one the first try....but can be done at home.

Or buy new and install at home.

 

An alignment will be needed when done.

 

Barn find said: Bellows? Never mentioned them. The dust cap at the end of the steering gear assembly that is marked CA is dripping power steering fluid. I did not call it a dust cap, GM did. the knowledge isn't the issue. I have never worked on a rack and pinion before so I am just not sure that the leak I see is repairable in the vehicle although very accessible. It appears as though if the fluid has gotten down internally so far the seals at the top of the steering gear assembly have started to leak which I ASSume pretty much means take it out and either get the tools or send it out for rebuild. Being an OEM freak I would rather have the original rebuilt vs. replaced. Since I don't have the tools specific to the rack and pinion I'm thinking by the time I buy them with the reseal kit I might as well just remove it and send it out.

 

Is your plan to do a complete rebuild or just stop the present leak?

 

Special tools:

seal removers

seal installers

seal protectors