Oily substance leaking from steering shaft

Anyone else had this happen? First time today. I also checked the brake booster and firewall and see nothing. Just on steering shaft...

 

have you ever had work done on your steering? You may have the power steering recall issue.

 

No...it's on the inside. Don't think the power steering is connected to it?

 

Could have worked it's way in. I would take it to the dealer they will probably jump on it since it's related to steering and there is a recall out.

 

Although it may be a warranty issue if it still is within the 3/36k or extended warranty, the recall itself is limited to steering rack installs done after august 2021 and or new builds built in august 2021, these are the only racks that relate to the current recall dealerships are dealing with and letters being sent out about.

 

I just got the recall notice. It appears to refer to steering gears replaced after August 5, 2021. Mine's never been replaced so I guess I'm good.

 

It's not from the power steering, there is a splined intermediate shaft coming from the column, which connects to a small u joint,. So there isn't a way for the fluid to travel up all of that and into the cab.


It's probably oil from the hydraulic cylinder/strut for the tilt or telescopic function. Get it replaced under warranty before it loses its oil and doesn't work properly.

 

I'll add that to when I go take it for the fuel pump I guess. I read on the Tacoma forum...some have seen the same thing but toyota just scratched their head and said there isn't any fluid in the shaft other that grease or assembly lube...

 

Grease will turn to oil if its heated. How hot is this area getting? (depending on what they used as a lubing grease it might get runny under normal temperature too).
I didn't think the telescope thing had a dedicated piston, but i don't know for sure.

 

Well yesterday it was like 82 or 84 degrees outside....not that hot but I do see a lot more lithium looking grease on a few parts...this is a more brown looking grease from the paper towel I used. It's hot again and went outside...none new dripping as of yet

 

After looking at some pictures of the whole assemble, it doesn't have a piston. Its spring actuated on models without power tilt and telescope. So I was incorrect on my previous post, and agree with you that it's assembly grease.

Oil will separate from grease over time, especially when it's hot. Even the highest quality grease will do it. Just Google leaky grease guns and you'll see what I mean.

 

Hey @RollTide82 , did you ever figure out the fix on this ? i have an 08 sequoia. Replaced the lower steering joint from the steering column to the rack last year. And this year the steering clunks audibly on the inside on left turns. Sometimes feels stiff. And one day I noticed this exact drop of oil on my floormat. I looked up Looks like the steering column has a bearing on the upper half that was a little wet. Did they just lube yours ??

 

I just wiped it off....never done it since...I'll look tomorrow and see