refresher72

My 2008 gl450 has a leak from the steering rack... Mechanic says need to replace the rack and pinion assembly. Please advise if that is the only option or replacing the power steering hose O rings wld do it? How many hrs of labor it takes to replace rack and pinion? Any recommendations on remanufactured rack and pinion? Which is beteer aftermarket r&p MasterPro (O'reilly) A1Cardone(Advanced auto)?

Please review the uploaded leak pics for reference

BlownV8

Make sure it is not coming from the power steering reservoir since they are known to leak.

racebmwm3

Leak looks like it is coming from up high. I would take a look up top and examine the reservoir/hoses before replacing the rack.

That said, my rack is leaking slightly (not as bad as yours) but it definitely seems like it is coming from the left seal.

mike278

Not going to swear to it, but I believe there was a TSB to replace the hard lines and o-rings on the racks of some MBs. Might save a few bucks over a whole rack.

joshd2012

I had the same issue and MB recommend the same thing - replace the rack. Fortunately, I had it covered under extended warranty. IIRC, it was five hours of labor and they also shook me down for an alignment.