Power Steering Leak

[Matts05runner]

I just drove about 1k miles in the 4Runner and noticed that it was leaking after parking it. No issues before the trip, actually just had the oil changed before I left.

A quick look indicates a pretty good power steering leak. The reservoir was almost empty so I filled it up, went for a short drive and it was almost empty again when I got back.

I plan to get under it after work today to see more of what's going on. With losing that much fluid that quickly, what are the odds it just a hose/line issue and not an issue with the pump? Any other thoughts?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Inv4drZm]

Check the tubes in front of the radiator where it goes from a hard line to a hose, that is where mine sprung a small leak when the hose cracked a little where it barbs onto the hard line.

 

[lightfreak]

Probably leaking at pulley if it’s losing that much but a failed hose could cause drastic loss while driving. The entire system is just under a quart of fluid so it doesn’t take long to go dry.
What year/engine/mileage? Was the fluid replaced regularly?

 

[Bossman]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/228268-power-steering-leak-lower-return-line.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/227111-power-steering-lower-return-hose-leak.html

 

[Matts05runner]

Probably leaking at pulley if it’s losing that much but a failed hose could cause drastic loss while driving. The entire system is just under a quart of fluid so it doesn’t take long to go dry.
What year/engine/mileage? Was the fluid replaced regularly?

It's a 2005 v6 with 100,008 miles. I have not replaced the fluid in the 26-27k miles that I've owned it.

I'll pull the skid plate this evening and check the lines and pulley. Thanks for the direction.

 

[radlynx]

I would say it's coming from your power steering pressure line.

It's a 2005 v6 with 100,008 miles. I have not replaced the fluid in the 26-27k miles that I've owned it.

I'll pull the skid plate this evening and check the lines and pulley. Thanks for the direction.

 

[Matts05runner]

Looks like the metal line behind the radiator has rusted enough to leak in one spot. Just ordered a replacement. Thanks for the help!

 

[AuSeeker]

Looks like the metal line behind the radiator has rusted enough to leak in one spot. Just ordered a replacement. Thanks for the help!

If it's going to be a while before you get the replacement, you can cut the metal line and splice it back together with a short piece of rubber hose and 2 clamps.

 

[Johns06yota]

I just drove about 1k miles in the 4Runner and noticed that it was leaking after parking it. No issues before the trip, actually just had the oil changed before I left.

A quick look indicates a pretty good power steering leak. The reservoir was almost empty so I filled it up, went for a short drive and it was almost empty again when I got back.

I plan to get under it after work today to see more of what's going on. With losing that much fluid that quickly, what are the odds it just a hose/line issue and not an issue with the pump? Any other thoughts?

Thanks,
Matt

Mine had the same issue and I found that my power steering return line was leaking at the fitting on the steering rack where the tube went on. The oem part is like 400 bucks but I ended up using atf safe rubber tubing from the auto parts store and it has worked great for a year and a half now.

 

[hagerty47]

Mine had the same issue and I found that my power steering return line was leaking at the fitting on the steering rack where the tube went on. The oem part is like 400 bucks but I ended up using atf safe rubber tubing from the auto parts store and it has worked great for a year and a half now.

I had that exact issue last week. The line from the steering rack blew out so I just got another return line from the auto parts store and got different clamps and it’s held up so far. Glad to hear yours has help up for so long because I was kind of worried about not using the correct hose.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Matts05runner]

I just received the new line in the mail yesterday. The 4Runner isn't driven everyday so I was able to let it sit while waiting on the replacement part. Thanks for the short term fix tips though!

I'll take some photos when I replace the leaking line. You'll get to see where my timing cover has been seeping too.. :/

 

[Whytey]

Check the tubes in front of the radiator where it goes from a hard line to a hose, that is where mine sprung a small leak when the hose cracked a little where it barbs onto the hard line.

Did you end up replacing the whole piece (2 hoses and 1 metal line) or just the rubber hose?
Mine is cracked and Toyota only sells the whole piece for a stupid price. Wondering if I can get away with just putting a new PS or fuel hose on it.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Did you end up replacing the whole piece (2 hoses and 1 metal line) or just the rubber hose?
Mine is cracked and Toyota only sells the whole piece for a stupid price. Wondering if I can get away with just putting a new PS or fuel hose on it.

Just the rubber hose, I had some laying around I don't even remember what it was exactly, but it's been working so far.