[finall]

Dropped the skid plate, and did a lube on our H2 yesterday.

Noticed that power steering gear arm connecting to the steering linkage (=pitman shaft?) has exposed metal that looks splined at the connector. There is a small black rubber seal around the top of it (looks black and green in photo), but the seal does not cover the bare metal. There is grease on it, so it has not corroded. Light green marks visible on left side of nut and pitman arm show that nut has not moved.

It was worked on by the dealer a year ago, for repairing a power steering fluid leak described as "replace cover and o-ring seal on steering gear side". They used bearing part #26077989. Is this related?

Is this connection how it is supposed to "normally" look or has something become loose and needs to be repaired? I am guessing it is NOT normal, but do not have another H2 to compare to.

Any advice? Help!