Leaking steering box....MOVED

4x4runner91

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This was in the maintenance part but no one was looking....

found a power-steering fluid leak today....looks like its coming from the steering box. Is that something I could fix...or would it be less of a headache to replace it?

Also....whats the best way to locate EXACTLY where a tranny fluid leak would be coming from?



Thanks
 
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steering box

Sorry I can't help you with the auto tranny. I would price out a new/used steering box. Mines okay so far so I have not had to replace it
 
i just had my steering gearbox changed, so this should give you an idea of how hard/costly it would be:
It took the toyota dealership 2.5 hours to change (shop rate $95/hour)
remanufactured gearbox cost $256
ATF fluid was $36
so total was about $530

as a side note, the power steering system actually uses automatic transmission fluid, not power steering fluid as many people think. I made this mistake and was topping it up with PSF for over 2 years and had to replace the gearbox and pump because it wrecked the seals.
 
Im pretty sure mine uses power steering fluid (per the factory owners manual)...but things may be different up where you are.
 
You might want to check the manual again just to be sure. In mine, it says in Do It Yourself Maintenance-Checking Power Steering Fluid "Check the fluid on the dipstick, If necessary, add DEXTRON II automatic transmission fluid." and again in the Specifications section, under steering "Power Steering Fluid Type: Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXTRON II"
 
Typo maybe?.....but I wouldn't doubt that tranny fluid would work....seems steering would be sluggish in cold weather though.
 
Yep. Its ATF fluid. As for a leaking box, try the Lucas stuff first, if it doesn't work, it's a PITA to change.
I am a novice mechanic, and I did it on my 89 3.0, and it sucked.
Also, there are two boxes for the 3.0. If you get the wrong one, it won't work.

Search on pirate and yotatech for the differences.
 
I think if you use power steering fluid instead of ATF for a long period of time the seals will go bad sooner than if you had used atf.
 
oh crap haha i should have read that part of the manual, it seemed like common sense to put PS fluid in my PS system, but i guess thats why im replacing my whole P/S system for the second time since May, MAN I AM AN IDIOT!!! HAHAHA!!! :awais:
 
i just changed my steering box 3 days ago....found a parts 4runner with a good looking steering box....cost me 75.00 plus fluid....took about 2hrs to swap out....make sure to get the haynes guide...helps alot....also i have heard that you can use P.S. fluid or Trans fluid
 
Hey all
So I'm also dumb, and used PS Fluid in my PS Steering System, Not more than once.. and now i'm using the correct stuff, and it it leaking, out of from what i can tell the Steering Box (driver side framerail is wet around the pitman/idler arm (i think), and looks like its coming from right above or around there.)

What exactly is this 'Lucas Stuff'?
any help would be appreciated

Edit : my rig is a 1991 3.0l V6 SR5 4Runner
 
changed steering box and power steering pump

My 91 4runner (180000)had a rebuilt unit put in along with the power steering pump and alignment $799 from a trusted mechanic
 
Is Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak compatible with seals made for use with DextronII oil? or will it just further damage my seals?
 

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