Power steering leak after tire upgrade

Hey everyone,

I’ve upgraded to 35’s and will be upgrading the struts and springs soon with Eibachs Pro Lift Kit 1. (For those that don’t already know, it’s a 2.5in in the front and 1in in the rear.

I installed skid plates from the engine to the transmission and I noticed power steering fluid leaking onto the engine skid plate.

Dropped the truck off at the dealership and will have to wait for them to take a look at it Tuesday because of the holiday Monday.

Any chance the power steering leak is coincidentally leaking because of the upgraded tires or is it directly affected?
Any possible way to prevent the leaking in the future while still maintaining my 35’s on the truck?

 

My SR5 has electronic steering, so should yours since that is how the Lane Tracing Assist function works.

 

This is what I was thinking. Might be something else.

 

What else would be red fluid at the front of the engine?

 

Transmission. Power steering is clear/brownish from the factory.

 

Transmission fluid leaking at the front?
I sure hope it’s not with less than 5k miles on it lol

 

Yup. There are trans lines that run to the front of the truck into the radiator. Sucks, I know, but shit happens sometimes. Better the front than the center where it would be a trans leak and it has to come down.

 

You’re not wrong.
Any idea of where it’s located via diagram or photo? I currently don’t have the truck here as I left it at the dealership for them to look at.

 

Sorry, no idea. I have a 2020, I know where mine is thought. They are usually on the side or the bottom of the radiator.

 

Not a problem, I appreciate the help though. I’ll look further into it!

 

Keep us updated since this helps other members if they encounter the same issue.

 

I will be doing that. I’m hoping it’s something small and able to relay any information regarding the matter to those who may run into something similar.

 

Can't be power steering fluid on gen 3 as they all have fully electric P/S. Red/reddish oil up front = transmission cooler lines or damaged/leaking cooler (which is integrated with the air conditioning condenser)

 

Would the upgrade to 35’s cause strain on that line?

 

Strain, no. Temp raise in the fluid, yes. 35's are heavy ass tires, everything's works harder to get them moving and brakes also work harder to get them to stop. It makes wheel bearings go out sooner. On the previous gen that did have fluid power steering, it does also put a strain on the power steering rack and bushings. I would say it does the same to your system. Hate to say it but lifts and big tire aren't always that great. But I don't think that your 35's made it leak so early on. Most issues happen years and tens orf thousands miles down the road.

 

Update to the leak:

They had to order a new radiator and transmission cooling line. It will be in tomorrow.

 

Was it covered under warranty? The 35s didn't void anything?

 

Perfect. Not a big deal and warranty covered it. Probably someone over tightened the line into the radiator or the radiator came defective. Nothing new for these garbage plastic end cap they put on now a days.

 

The dealer would be hard pressed to prove tires caused a radiator trans line to leak.

 

Bit off topic since the 3rd gen is electric, but all Toyotas that I'm aware of use ATF for the power steering fluid.

 

Yes, but sometimes no.

My "34" tire and wheel combo is lighter than OEM.

 

Yeah, just spoke with service. Everything is covered. Tires wouldn’t cause it. Should all be done tomorrow if not Thursday.

 

Yes they do, but. The PS fluid from factory isn't dyed red. It's clear/brownish. Couple months ago I did the flush and looked into what was being used. Obviously trans fluid but questions where asked about why is the OEM fluid not red then. No real answers as to why it isn't red.

 

Interesting to know what OEM combo you had and what you have now. My 33" are 60lbs. Even with my SCS wheels I am still heavier than OEM which were 32" 4ply tires