yesterday i was changing my fuel line hose and as i was under the car finishing up i looked over to the left at my steering column and *im not sure exactly what its called but its right on the steering rack under the drivers side and takes about a 1inch socket to tighten it*. but anyways, it wasnt leaking but more like sweating around the seal.. so what i did was cleaned the residue and tighten it with a socket.. and it was pretty loose that i was able to torque it down bout 4 or 5 times. so i finished up the fuel line and when i finally drove the car, boom no power steering and the steering wheel is tigher than norm.. it was working fine before i tightened that little part and my steering fluid is a little bit above the minimum line..

qstn. what is that part called that i tightened and what is it for?

should i loosen it back up?*but it seems dangerous to keep it loose bc its sweating around the seal.

please help.. thanks..

 

Have no idea what you're talking about. But common sense would tell me if you tighten it too much and have no P/S, you should go back and untighten it and report back.

 

Yea i might end up having to reloosen until i can research and find the right answers on what that part is and whats its for.. In the mean time i can snap a photo from underneath the car drivers side and upload it so you can see this part.. Its right on steering rack.. Its just got my attention bc the seal was wet and had residue and was loose.. Jus didnt seem normal to b that loose.. Thanks

 

This underneath shot so you can see the steering rack and that part i tightened.

 

That nut is for the pinion shaft. It is pre-loaded from the factory to a specific torque range. Check FSM to see if they have torque figures and go from there. That nut does not effect the leaking at the boot you pointed to in the pictures.

 

in other words, i shouldve not touched it.. and that controls my power steering?