Not quite sure what part this is, but I'm pretty sure it's broken

[uncleslam23]

First post here fellas. I just picked up a 3rd Gen that was poorly taken care of by the previous owner(my sister) and this forum has been an unbelievably helpful getting it back into shape. Unfortunately my knowledge of cars in general is pretty weak, and I'm hoping you guys could help me out with this one.

So I was finishing up for the day when I noticed this little guy(pictured below) was leaking, and I have no idea what it is, nor how to fix it. Not only is it leaking, but it seems to be a lot more compressed than the one on the drivers side. Any suggestions? If someone could just name it for me I'm sure I could find something about it in the forums.

Also, the 4runner has about 165k miles on it, and the ONLY maintenance this thing has ever had was a new O2 sensor, new brakes and rotors, and the occasional oil change. I'm trying to do everything I can to avoid costly repairs and to make sure it runs for another few years, but I'm running out of money.

Here's what I've done so far:
Oil change
New transmission filter and fluid
Coolant flush
driveshaft lubed
transfer case, front rear diffs serviced
new spark plugs and wires
new fuel filter
Cleaned the throttle body

I plan on replacing the suspension cause it's pretty much worn out, as well as the timing belt and water pump. Anything in particular I should be worried about? Anything else I should do?

Thank you guys in advance for any advice!

 

[thebrandon]

Steering rack. Not the funnest thing in the world to work on. But doable. Can be a but pricy depending on where you get it.

 

[fourwd1]

If you're referring to the thing at the bottom with the rubber boot, that's the steering rack.
Not cheap, but not that hard to replace .

 

[thebrandon]

I would start off first by checking the connection where the power steering fluid line is connected to. That seems to be the origin of your leak from that picture. Sometimes just snugging it down 1/16th-1/4 turn can save you some time before you need to replace it. Are you low on power steering fluid?

 

[uncleslam23]

Thank you guys so much for your help. It was a bit low on power steering when I purchased it. I topped it off but I'll check it again tomorrow. So I would need to replace the whole rack or just that boot? I'm not having any issues whatsoever with steering, so assuming that tightening the power steering connection doesn't work, would keeping the power steering reservoir full tide me over till I get the money to fix it?

Thanks again fellas!

 

[Rattlecanpaint]

Try tightening up that connection. Not too tight though or you can crush the fitting inside there and make it really leak. I'd personally spray it off with brake cleaner and watch it. Keep the fluid topped off and fergodssakes don't use "power steering fluid" Use ATF.

 

[ellner357]

Try tightening up that connection. Not too tight though or you can crush the fitting inside there and make it really leak. I'd personally spray it off with brake cleaner and watch it. Keep the fluid topped off and fergodssakes don't use "power steering fluid" Use ATF.

Why atf not power steering fluid?

 

[uncleslam23]

Thanks for the help fellas! I cleaned it off with brake cleaner and tightened that connection about 1/8 of a turn and it seemed to have done the trick.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Try tightening up that connection. Not too tight though or you can crush the fitting inside there and make it really leak. I'd personally spray it off with brake cleaner and watch it. Keep the fluid topped off and fergodssakes don't use "power steering fluid" Use ATF.

Seriously, do you think "tightening up the connection" on the boot is going to solve a shot seal(s) in the steering rack?

 

[mikebontoft]

Seriously, do you think "tightening up the connection" on the boot is going to solve a shot seal(s) in the steering rack?

who said anything about the boot connection? he meant the power steering line's fitting.

Also I'd recommend replacing the timing belt and water pump since you have nearly double the miles on it that you should for replacement. Fortunately if it does strip the teeth off the belt, there shouldn't be any permanent damage.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

My bad. I misunderstood and thought we were just talking about tightening up the boot clamp.

 

[snow junky]

yes top it off with atf

 

[lilsid112]

yes top it off with atf

Just out of curiosity why top it off with ATF fluid instead of power steering fluid?

 

[snow junky]

Our trucks use ATF not power steering fluid. I have no idea why but the manuals all say it

 

[ellner357]

Our trucks use ATF not power steering fluid. I have no idea why but the manuals all say it

So this leads me to ask... what happens if someone uses power steering fluid?

 

[Joshv4runner]

I would also clean your MAF sensor and replace your pcv valve and if funds are still available, go head and get new OEM lower ball joints.

 

[snow junky]

well, when i used power steering fluid i ended up replacing my rack because one side was leaking. not sur if its from the psf tho

 

[the great him]

replace your radiator or install and external trans cooler and by-pass the radiator. and put new toyota oe lower ball joints in.

 

[uncleslam23]

Thanks for the advice fellas. I've got a new radiator on its way, that should be enough to prevent this whole "pink milkshake" thing right? Will definitely do the PDV valve as it seems pretty easy and cheap.

So as far as these lower ball joints go, what is the purpose in replacing them? Do they fail on many higher mileage 4runners? Is there anything in particular I should be looking for when inspecting them to see if they need to be replaced?

Thanks again guys!

 

[TOY2G]

So this leads me to ask... what happens if someone uses power steering fluid?

FWIW:

The reason MANY higher quality vehicles use ATF as power-steering fluid is longevity. Power steering fluid has a few traits that can cause it to break down faster such as water absorption, and burns at a lower temp. Also ATF has is better at dissipating heat, it burns at a higher temp, and it has additives that keep seals soft and metals clean. ATF is just a more advanced fluid than PS fluid, and in case you were wondering you can flush your system with ATF and convert on any vehicle. even my 87 runs ATF for the reasons above. there is literally no down side except the added cost of fluid. In fact, PSC motorsports (the leader in performance steering) recomends using ATF