164 power steering problem

[Jeff Matson <jsm8@domain.elided>]

I seem to have a serious power steering leak on my '91
164L.  The system has been OK until today (no leaks, rack
boots replaced at the shop a few months ago).  It doesn't
lose fluid onto the ground, but the power steering fluid
reservoir was suddenly empty today, and when I went looking
for the missing fluid I found it in the rack boots - both
were bulged and full of fluid.  Anyone have this happen
before?  I did have the front of the car up in the air
yesterday looking for a full-lock scraping noise that I've
been hearing in parking lots (saw nothing obvious).  I
probably turned the wheels while the car was up in the air
to get a better look at the suspension, but I don't know why
that would be bad (though I'm starting to think it might
be).  Anyone have any clues?  I've been through the CarDisk,
and it looks like the rack seals have failed.  Can a shop
repair this, or is it likely to be a "really bad thing" (aka
$$$) and will this much fluid loss take the pump to an early
grave as well?  Of course, like with all things Alfa, this
happens on the worst possible day, just after I put my GTV
into permanent winter storage.

Jeff Matson
Harvard, MA
'91 164L
'74 2000 GT Veloce

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