Steering Rack Leak

[ebbwboy]

So had a major service at Porsche official dealer yesterday on my 2011 Boxster S. All good except for a oil patch on one of the steering gators. Dealer says its a leak from steering rack and quote £2400 to replace including bushes which may have been contaminated. The repair of the rack is not on the cards. Warranty from the independent dealer I bought it from is questionable, saying its common for a "damp patch" and wouldn't worry about it personally .
He would sell this car with this issue no worries.
Advice needed Please.

[gwsinc]

Sounds fishy to me, you shouldn’t have any leaking fluid from the steering rack. OPC will always replace not refurbish. You may be able to find a trusted Indy to refurbish it with all new seals etc.

As for the warranty, is it underwritten by the dealer them self or by a third party company? This really should be covered, but a second expert opinion may be required, probably at your cost.

[CrashBang]

Common failure, these guys have a good reputation

https://shop.westernpowersteering.co.uk/porsche-po...

[Geoff997]

My 997 has displayed a damp looking patch on steering rack gaiter for 6 years. Has not deteriorated in that time and my OPC says it is fine as it's a very common occurrence and to just keep an eye on it at each service. Never needed power steering fluid topping up between services. Price quoted to replace rack if needed in future £1550 + VAT

[Tripe Bypass]

OPC is just as likely to replace it with a remanufactured rack as a new one but it would have been remanufactured by TRW (OEM) rather than third party.

[ebbwboy]

Thanks for the response guys, it’s an in-house warranty with an independent Porsche specialist , looks like things have been sorted now for a new rack and any additional issue due to contamination. Fingers crossed for a hassle free repair.👍🏻

[Anteater]

Hi, looking for some help on a related topic of power steering leak. After a nice weekend at Le Mans my 997 kindly dumped all the fluid from power steering on a French service station forecourt, from a leak somewhere near the front suspension. Unable to see where due to the undertrays. Is this a know issue? Is it likely a pipe burst ,or a seal in rack , or???? Advice welcome before I start searching for someone to do repair.

[Fiammetta]

Corroded pipe .
Have you ever had the under trays off and arch liners out and done a bit of preventative maintenance.ie wire brush + waxoil etc .

Your OPC or Indy won’t ……bite the hand that feeds them .

Same with the front coolant pipes they just sit and wait rubbing there hands together every time you bring it them for a service , watching them slowly corrode away .Until the phone rings from you “ There’s coolant on the garage floor “

All preventable or at least 2x to 3x the longevity with a bit of effort .

[Anteater]

Thank you. The trays will be coming off for a look hopefully soon, just need to finish unpacking the hundred boxes from moving house. Couldn't have happened at a worse time!!

[Andyoz]

That's a pretty common issue. It can also re-occur if cars aren't driven.