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Leaking Power Steering Rack and Pinion Boots

39K views 45 replies 18 participants last post by  GoPlzGo 
#1 ·
Would you fellow '11-'13 WK2 owners take a look at your power steering rack and pinion boots and post if they are leaking?

I was talking to the manager at the local tire/mechanic shop, who owns a '11 WK2 v6 Overland, and he is on his third rack and pinion . He also stated a lot of the WK2 he gets up in the air has leaking boots on the steering rack and pinion.
 
#4 ·
Mine was also replaced under warranty, my mechanic found it and I took it to Jeep.
 
#5 ·
Mine may be leaking also. I have a mid-year, 2011 build. I was under there for another reason last night. The right boot looked oily/greasy. The left side was dry. I need to pull it on ramps this weekend for another issue, so I will check better. Thanks for the info.
 
#6 ·
In mine it was built up inside that boot with just a little seepage on the outside...
 
#9 ·
My 2012 built in September 2011 and delivered on 10/6/11 now has 70,000 miles and leaking at boot on right (passenger) side which will not let it pass NYS inspection due this month.

As I am out of warranty I am SOL but will be discussing the earlier TSB with my dealer to see if I can get any relief from the full cost of replacing the R&P assembly.
 
#10 ·
been there, done that.

Some are having multiples done which does not instill confidence in the fix (was not impressed that Jeep made me pay for alignment).
 
#11 ·
As noted above I had the original rack replaced on my 2011 under the TSB last November while under the basic warranty. Now, less than a year and less than 5,000 miles later, the replacement rack is now showing signs of leaking. Just like the original rack, the leak is on the passenger side bellow.

Has anyone had the rack replaced multiple times with Jeep picking up the tab? Is there a warranty on parts? I don't have an extended warranty - but don't think I should have to pick up the tab if both the original and replacement parts are defective.

I’m concerned about taking the Jeep back right now due to the multiple (3) outstanding safety recalls. After seeing and hearing some of the issues my fellow Jeepsters have had, I don’t want them performing any of the recalls just yet. Brakes, visors and fuel pump are working fine right now. But my time may be running out on getting the new rack replaced.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
#12 ·
Has anyone had the rack replaced multiple times with Jeep picking up the tab? Is there a warranty on parts? I don't have an extended warranty - but don't think I should have to pick up the tab if both the original and replacement parts are defective.
Same issue, but Jeep won't pick up the tab for a second repair.

Backstory: I just had my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in for 80,000 mile service/oil change. The Service Department told me that I needed to have my steering gear replaced at a cost of ~$1500, as it is leaking.

I bought this jeep used in 2013. I did not have the service history/records, so I wasn't sure if this had been replaced before or not. I called the Chrysler Customer Assistance line and spoke with a representative. They asked if my Jeep had ever had the steering gear replaced, and the rep said yes, in 2010 while still under the original 3 year warranty.

With that in mind, I asked if this had already been replaced, then is there any way that Jeep would cover the cost of the repair, as I am obviously beyond any warranty period.

The rep stated the repairs come with a one year warranty, which was also up. They asked about my history of ownership with Chrysler/Jeep and asked me to hold on while they investigated whether or not they could provide any financial assistance.

After a few minutes on hold, I was told that no, they could not provide any help... Which I'm pretty frustrated about.

Sponge Bob - I'd be interested in hearing the results of your experience. Thanks!
 
#13 ·
Mine makes a horrible whining noise when turning in parking lots. Only when I turn left though. Dealership said I needed a new power steering pump. Awesome!
 
#14 ·
Add me to this list. Bummer. While doing an oil change and coolant flush I noticed the rack and boot were wet. Fortunately it isn't a bad leak and the fluid is still full. I'll have to wait till after Memorial Weekend to take it in. Don't want any snafu's to keep my tow vehicle in the shop and kill the trip.
 
#15 ·
Update- took the dealer 3 days (also had the transmission serviced and visor fix fixed). One for diagnosis, a day for parts to come in and the third to return the vehicle to service. All covered under MaxCare, including alignment of the front end. I now break even with the cost of MaxCare!
 
#19 ·
I learned two weeks ago that my 2011 Grand Cherokee at 29K miles, will need to replace this part. The technician advised it was beginning to weep. Not under warranty and total cost for part & labor...$1252. Not pleased!
How many months from official in service date to date of repair? Since u were under 36k if u were somewhat close on 36 months I would submit to FCA to see about full/partial reimbursement....the attempt is free ?
 
#23 ·
Thanks Evil Twin. I contacted FCA. Since today is Sunday, they are unable to contact my local dealership. The information is being handed off to a resolution team who shall go over the information, contact dealership, and within 2-3 days will respond to me with a decision as to whether they can provide any financial assistance.
 
#25 ·
definitely push this with FCA, I'm on my 3rd rack at 40,000 miles. US guys are nice, my dealer makes me pay for alignment after they fix their crap parts (I have been told that no changes have been made), at least you get a 24 month warranty on the new parts.
 
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#26 ·
Interesting. I did not have to pay for alignment. They did front only of course. After hearing someone else say this I was prepared to hear it. If they had said that I would ask them if customers had to fill their own radiator after a water pump failure or put their own wheels back on after a brake job. It's the same thing.
 
#28 ·
I received a call yesterday from Chris @ JEEP. He asked what my issue was, at which point, I asked, "Didn't Shane pass along this information to your resolution team?". Then he made reference to the rack & pinion boot seeping at 29K miles. He wanted to know what I wanted. I advised when I got the news from Hatch Motor Co. that this part was leaking, I felt that it should last longer than 29K miles. I'd like it replaced at no cost to me. I mentioned one on this forum who is on his third at 40K miles. When I mentioned the service bulletin, his comment was that simply because it was issued does not mean that JEEP is responsible for replacement. Calmly, I told Chris that obviously this is a problem as there was a bulletin issued, and I'm not the only one having the problem. I mentioned this forum, and that Hatch wanted $699 for part, and the rest in labor totaling $1252. I advised him that Hatch stated 4.5 hours for replacement, yet the bulletin states 2.5 hours to complete the task. That's a two hour discrepancy at $110 an hour. Then he said I'd have to take it back to dealership for inspection (again), and when I mentioned Chris at Hatch who advised and gave me the quote for repair, his comment was that he spoke with Hatch and they have no record of conversation regarding this part which needs replacing. I advised I have the hard copy for replacement and labor costs. He then asked if I wanted to make the appointment, and I told him he could schedule and return my call. Then, he said the reason for this is to be sure that this isn't my fault, and I assured him it's never been off road, only driven highway. Depending on their findings, he stated JEEP is willing to cover at least 50% of cost, perhaps more. The service bulletin is applicable to my model year, honestly, I'd think that JEEP could do the right thing, and stand behind what obviously is a defective and inferior part. Interesting to see how this will unfold.
 
#30 ·
Although I'm under 36K miles, I'm past the three year mark since it's five years old.

I spoke with FCA yesterday. I've an appointment at Hatch Motor Co. on 8-30 @ 1 pm. The will do their inspection and then advise on what they are willing to do. Still think since it's a defective part, they should eat the entire cost of replacement and alignment, but, I shall learn next week what will happen.
 
#31 ·
I took my Jeep in today for the inspection regarding the rack & pinion boot. After inspection, the department supervisor advised there was NO problem with the boot. The technician who performed the oil change several weeks ago wasn't qualified to make the determination that there was an issue with the boot. Per Steve, the supervisor, the technician made an error, passed the information along to Chris, who advised me of the problem, when in reality, no problem existed. Chris is no longer working in the service department. There was nothing in computer regarding what needed to be done in the future, yet, I had the hard copy estimate, part of the reason for Chris's termination.

Steve and I discussed this at length; I advised I'd seen no leakage on garage floor, however, I was concerned due to the fact there was a service bulletin issued for a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Others on this forum have had problems with the boot.

Pleased to say that I'm not having to replace this part, whether it be at the cost of Jeep or myself. What annoys me is that I depend on the professionalism of those who are in the business. I'm not a mechanic; I simply drive the vehicle, and I depend on those who are knowledgeable to advise me when there is a problem. What I abhor is spending money on parts/labor for an issue when none really exists!

Glad I had the second opinion done today; I saved myself $1252.

Thank you to those who replied to my post. I followed the advice to contact FCA, and if I had not, I'd be spending money when really not necessary.
 
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