Steering rack boot leak ?? ML-320

[poboy]

Hello all, I am new to the forum.

I have a 98 Ml-320 that has developed a bad fluid leak in one of the boots on the end of the steering rack. When I called the dealer, they said I would have to replace the whole rack ($1,250). I have seen Boot repair kits ($75)on the net, and I am wondering if I can just replace the boots.

How can I tell if there is something broken inside of the rack, or if there is just a seal broken that is letting the fluid freely pour out of the boot? (I have never seen inside the rack, so I have no idea what is in there.)

Other than the whining when my fluid is too low, the steering system sounds normal.

Thanks for any information,

Po