Power Steering leak $$ YIKES!

hey: just found out power steering leak in p/w hose in my 2015 Tundra crew max 5.7. Assembly $410 and install 4hr = tot >$1000 - yikes! So, very reputable dealer serviced my Toyotas for many years. BUT, curiously I’ve never added fluid. Mechanic didn’t say he added fluid, never see any leak on driveway, and reservoir is in normal fill line. So, the part includes a metal tube w/fins as cooler, and hi-pressure rubber hose. Leak is supposedly over skid plate, thus no dripping on driveway. Dealer said leak is a “5” which is more severe. All seems a bit unusual to me!

If p/w runs dry, how would I know? Implications? I do quite a bit of off-grid, and some mountain roads in the booneys, so a failure of a component like p/s would’nt be good.

Would be very appreciative of you all’s experiences. Thanks!

 

You will know if your p/s gets low, by the typical Ford whine grown. Losing p/s while driving its nit soo bad. Its only bad when you stop

P/s may be leaking in to your tie rod ends. Axles is what I meant.