Steering linkage assembly, seal integrity diagnostic system and test method

A steering linkage assembly comprising:

• a steering linkage that is operatively connectable to a pair of road wheels;
• a housing defining a sealed compartment containing at least a portion of the steering linkage;
• a first sealing boot operatively coupled to the steering linkage and located proximate a first end of the housing;
• a second sealing boot operatively coupled to the steering linkage and located proximate a second end of the housing, wherein the first sealing boot has at least one distinctive characteristic relative to the second sealing boot to define non-identical sealing boots;
• and
• a pressure sensor positioned to detect an internal pressure within the sealed compartment over a range of travel of the steering linkage, wherein a pressure change lower than a pressure change threshold indicates a leak condition of the sealed compartment, wherein the internal pressure over a range of travel of the steering linkage is not symmetric about a center position based on the at least one distinctive characteristic of the first sealing boot relative to the second sealing boot.