Rack and pinion leak

So my precious DC was in the shop yesterday and they told me that I need a new rack and pinion. Here's the leak. I feel like this thing could go a long time before this becomes a problem. There has yet to be a drop on my driveway. Thoughts?

 

As long as you're not getting any other symptoms, I wouldn't replace it for that small leak. Just keep an eye on the power steering fluid.

 

I agree mine leaked a long long time no issue. As long as you keep fluid in it you are fine. If you end up replacing i can give you some tips. Ive changed mine twice.

 

Mine has had a slow leak for 5 years. Fluid never drops on the rez, though. No drops on the driveway either. I’d say leave it alone until she blows!

 

I would replace with screw on clamps and clean it up and see if it comes back.

 

Not going to do anything different. Those boots are just dust shields the actual seal is in the body of the rack.

 

My $.02: 2 weeks into having my 2013 the rack and pinion went 4+ hours from home. No leaking as the fluid was building up in the boot until I poured about the 5th container of fluid in and then....it all came rushing out. Just be on top of it is what I am saying I guess...I had to tow my camper home with no power steering.

 

I know there are many others like myself but when I see something leaking...just fix it asap. You will least expect it when it blows out. Running your PS pump dry will fry that, then you have a bigger mess...ask me how I know. It's not a bad job and a nice rebuilt unit from Detroit axel is about $220. 3 hour job tops

 

Old thread rebirth, just found the rack on my 2005 DBL CAB SR5 is leaking pretty good. What makes Detroit Axle parts better than something from RockAuto? I’d never heard of them. I see the price is awesome

Thanks!

 

@bmf4069 ran the Detroit Axle rack I believe. Maybe he can chime in.

 

Appreciate that!

 

Had my Power Rack and Pinion Assembly replaced on my '02 a couple of months ago at my local Toyota Dealership. The total cost was $1490.00. This included total Power Steering System Fluid Exchange/Flush and Alignment. Labor was reported at 5 hours. 1-year Parts and Labor Warranty.

I would note that Power Steering System Operation became quieter and the Steering Responsiveness returned to what I remember from years gone by.

 

It's been good for the past year. No leaks. Just a pain to install.

 

Thanks for the info. I will be doing the install myself, but glad to hear it made a noticeable difference.

 

Thanks for the update.

Do you recall which one you bought? I see they’re sold out of the brand new units but have some that must be refurbished?…but still lifetime warranty for a little less $$.

The leak isn’t substantial and the steering hasn’t stiffened up, so I could wait for the new ones to restock.

 

just checked and its ~$580 for a brand new one from my local dealer, I think there is a chance I need one (hard to tell if there is fluid in the boots without cutting them, but then ... yeah ...) I feel like this is something I'd want to take to a shop though.

Unfortunately that seems to be hard to find in my neck of the woods (near Santa Monica) so most mechanics I hear about are an hour + drive from me which means I need to use up a whole day to have something like this done

 

You may be able to get a solid 20-40% off at a local dealership if you initiate the order through parts.toyota.com

 

You found a new rack for that little? I thought they were closer to $800. Last time I looked they were backordered too.

 

Maybe his price is for the 2015 he has in his truck info? And he doesn't realize he's posting in 1st gen? I can't remember if @prozac is a 1st gen owner.

 

Whoops sorry, you're right, however FWIW buying it from my local dealer the 1st gen one is $642 and im going through parts.toyota.com as mentioned

 

I think the last time I looked you and FGV are both right. I think MSRP was at or just north of 800, and if I chose to pick up my order from one of the two dealerships local who offer the most discount, it was around $600-650. But there were three others that were within 5% of MSRP, which is a joke.

 

I bought it new, but that was back in 2019. Refurbished is probably fine, they just replace seals and o-rings I imagine.

 

Good to know, I appreciate ya getting back to me. I’ll give them a call and likely go that route. The install doesn’t look too bad but maybe the bleeding will be a PITA. ?

 

Bleeding is easy, just turn side to side and refill the reservoir as needed. The install sucks due to bolt placement, having to remove the sway bar, and general fitment. I highly recommend a second set of hands. Remember, the middle bolt goes thru the top. The nut is welded.

 

Ah! Very good to know. I recently did the sway bar endlinks when doing my LBJ’s, but with my luck they’ll already be too rusty to remove peacefully.

Off topic, but do you know if there is a way to confirm if the control arm bushings are toast without removing anything to inspect? The shop that did a recent alignment never mentioned anything, but now I’m reading lots about control arm bushings failing and alignment sleeves/bolts being rusted or seized. Wishing I’d done them all at the time. My 05 has 280,000kms

 

Yes. I could tell mine were in rough shape by crawling under the truck and looking at the bushings. A flashlight helped.

 

Ok I’ll take a look. Thanks.

 

I guess i can join this club as well lol. While coating my frame we found this small leak. My mechanic told me i had time but not sure if i want to wait as well. Has anyone used the TRQ Rack and Pinion. Of couse when i was about to splash on new Lift kit i find this.

 

That and my Sway bar Link popped out as in the picture.

 

That’s about the state mine is in. Boot probably full of oil as well. I hadn’t heard of TRQ but I’m gonna take a look.
I think the end snapped clean off that end link, easier to swap! Haha