Identify this on my Steering Rack

[3rdH3]

My 50K BtoB warranty will be up shortly on my 2010 H3 Alpa/Offroad and I am going to the Dealer next week to have a couple of things fixed. Top on my list is a leak coming from the Steering Rack. My mechanic says it is the Backlash Adjustment Port. See attached. The Tie Rod boot is also wet likely coming from the same place and I did have to add fluid. I just want to have my terminology right when I talk to the Service Adivisor. I also have about 1/8 inch lateral play at the passenger side bushing. I think this is normal but with all the rack mount bushing threads floating around I though I would check. Thank you.

 

[Hunner]

Is this a test?
It appears to be the drivers side below where the steering shaft is connected to the rack from above. That holds the short drive shaft and gears in place to control the steering or gives access to that shaft, like he said to attempt to adjust backlash. I have never tried to dis-assemble one at that point.
GM calls that "weeping" as opposed to "leaking" and could probably be tightened. If it was removed to seal it better it could require bleeding the air out and adding fluid after that.
If fluid is coming out of the boot then the seals in the end of the rack are leaking to have enough fluid come out to require adding some.
If that is the case they may replace your rack and you would get a new OEM pass side rubber bushing and bracket in the process.
You also may get new 16mm tie rods. I'm not sure if there are any racks left with 14mm. If that happens, depending on your dealer ask for the old 14mm for trail spares. They may refuse as some say they are required to return the entire assembly if it is a warranty repair.

 

[3rdH3]

Thanks Hunner. I just wanted to verify. It is a 2010 so I should already have the 16mm tie rods. If they do replace the rack I will double check to make sure they didn't get new old stock 14's. My Dealer has been excellent so far. First visit was April of 08, I hope it continues.

 

[alrock]

Glad Hunner could help - I don't have anything that clean under my truck, couldn't recognize it from your picture

 

[3rdH3]

I will try to remedy that too clean problem after I get a couple of warranty issues settled. Thank you.