Leaking Power Steering Fluid

Last night after cleaning the truck with a pressure washer I went to move it and noticed oil on the ground. The power steering reservoir was basically emptied after 4 hours sitting in the driveway.

I highlighted in the picture below where the leak is. It is right close to the bracket that holds it on the truck. I am wondering if it is possible to just splice in a piece of tubing somehow?

Toyota dealer in Canada wants $1000 for everything that's in the picture. So trying not to spend that much.

If its possible to splice in what type and size of tubing do I need? The top connection the line just slides into the other and clamps hold it. The bottom connection where it's leaking does that need some type of flare and flare nuts? Or could you use some type of compression/SharkBite fitting?

Have done brake lines before but never power steering lines. So any help appreciated.

 

How are the junkyards where you live? I see these available in the states for about $450.

Here's a pull that could very likely be mailed to Canada:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/184897419563

 

Ill give them a try. I don't know if I can wait that long for the one on ebay.

 

Im wondering If any of this rock auto stuff would work?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...3770,steering,power+steering+return+hose,7324

 

As a temporary fix, drain out the lines and clean everything really, really well with brake parts cleaner. Abrade the surface with a scotch-brite pad, then cover it with JB weld. This probably won't stop the leak, but it should slow it down enough to get by until a replacement can get to you.

Based on your drawing, it looks like the cooler itself may have a crack where that clamp is. It's also somewhat possible that if you can see the damage, you can use repair solder and a torch to fill it, but with the cost of the power steering components on these trucks, I wouldn't want to chance any flux getting in there.

 

I'd try cutting it and splicing it with some rubber line, it has rubber lines going it to it, so the pressure shouldn't be an issue. That's just me though, I'd rather spend 5 bucks than 400 bucks. And you can pressure test the line before you install it.

Another option would be to take it to a radiator repair shop and have them solder/braze the hole.

 

That might work. Cut where the leak is. Slide hose over and then two clamps.
Only thing is what type of hose should I be looking for?

 

I was thinking about JB welding it. It's pretty small a pinhole almost. Although the area around it is rusty as well. It's still dripping right now. What would be the best way to completely empty the system. Assuming it needs to be dry for JB weld to stand a chance.

 

Yes, that's what I was thinking. I'm sure any kind of fuel line will work for a long time without issue. If it does leak in the future, it will be an easy fix.

 

Pop the lines off and remove the cooler itself. Once you clean it off, it should be easier to see where the actual problem is. Be sure the JB weld goes all the way around the circumference of the metal line so it is less likely to pop off.

 

If it’s a metal line, you can also try Q-Bond. I’ve used in the past and it’s pretty good. It comes with 2 powders, one for plastic and the other for metal.

 

Does anyone have a link to that Tundra manual that floats around here? I've been messing around but finally got all the rusted bolts out and having a hard time removing the cooler. The two lines that go up to the reservoir kind of get caught up near the bottom of the radiator. Wondering if the manual says anything about removal/installation.

I know I could just cut/bend it but if I need to get a new one in there can't do that. I think its kind of beyond repair the cooling find are rusted and other spots are about to rust through eventually. Going to try a hydraulic shop tomorrow. Maybe they can rig up a new one or fix this one somehow. If not will have to buy the Toyota one I guess.

 

Thoughts on installing this aftermarket one?

$38 Derale 13200 Power Steering Cooler Kit, Black

https://www.amazon.ca/Derale-13200-Power-Steering-Cooler/dp/B0006HNM66

 

I use a different model, but works fine for me. Originally had the 13” length similar to your link, but switched to a 17” for better cooling.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/power-steering-cooler-leaking.87248/#post-2195093

 

Sick maybe I wont have to give Toyota $1000. Do they have the 17in on Amazon? I need it kinda soon.

Is it a pretty easy install? I am just wondering how to secure it. And then the connection at the reservoir is easy but the other one will be plastic to plastic so will need some type of fitting?

 

Thought I would update. Here is what I ended up installing. It works for now but not that happy with it. Its kind of small and chincey. Will probably look into installing that bigger derale at some point.