Wondering if this normal?

I recently removed my splashguard and found something interesting on the boot of the steering rack.. I am wondering if this is the intended way to close the steering rack boot, or if the person that owned this Z before me may have done a cheap/ghetto repair? I realize the mess to the left of it, however I pulled on the boot and it seams to be sealed still. It is possible this has been hiding behind the splashguard for a while from a past problem, and just never cleaned up, and I have not experienced any steering problems in the past year of owning this car. If this IS supposed to look like this, what is the purpose or advantage of this method vs a clamp like on a CV Axle? Also, the opposite side of the car mirrors this one.



Thanks in advance.

 

Normal.

 

No it's not normal but it will and is working, no leaks. I have done that myself in a pinch.

 

The twisted wire loop for the rack boot is normal (OEM). I have an 06 and it looks the same. Maybe this changed for the HR intro, but DEs all look this. Also, a little PS fluid seepage is also normal, so long as the car isn't forming drops or marking the floor, you're fine. I suspect Nissan chose this method for ease of maintenance or cost savings or perhaps both. PS rack boots are a normal replacement item as vehicles age, if you know what you're doing you can also replace the seals on the rack when they start to leak badly (essentially rebuild the unit). Rack outer tie-rod ends are also a normal replacement item. So I'm thinking Nissan chose the twisted wire clamp as an easy way to remove and replace not only the boot, but other common service items on the rack.
Cheers!
-Icer