Rack and pinion leaking

[duke808]

I haven't topped off my power steering fluid in over two months (have driven 2k since then too), but after new tires today I was told my rack and pinion is leaking and will need to be replaced. I do not want to replace right now, so will I be able to just top PS fluid off as needed to tie me over?

Car drives fine, and seems to be a very slow leak. Thanks!

 

[nalbertasr5]

You could try some of that Stop Leak powersteering fluid. It can slow leaks down or even stop them because it's thicker fluid (but I doubt it would work that well) If that doesn't work you could try getting a new seal kit to replace the leaking seals on the rack. Other than that, your best bet is to go with a new rack. I got one from NAPA and it works fine.

 

[Toyotayoda]

Hey mine leaks too, of course many shops like to make mountains out of mole hills. My 4Runner will go a good while before the level drops to the cold mark, however when the rack leaks it washes grease from the inner tie rod and it will eventually get some play in it. I'd keep an eye on the level, if you start seeing it drop faster than usual get the rack, until then don't put weird shit in it just the proper fluid.

 

[mtbtim]

Well, these tire shop guys might have seen an oily mess on the steering rack and just assumed it was power steering fluid leaking. When the valve covers leak, it quite often ends up collecting on the steering rack. I think there's a good possibility that a lot of the oily mess on your steering rack might just be engine oil that has made it's way down from the heads.

If I were you, I'd spray a bunch of degreaser on the underside of your rig everywhere you see grease and dirt and then go to one of the coin-op car wash place and spray it down really good. With everything cleaner, you'll have a better chance of figuring out what's actually leaking.

I wouldn't recommend putting stop leak in your power steering system. It will probably cause more harm than good. Figure out what's actually leaking first and then go from there.

 

[JayRolla]

Just keep it full. My aftermarket new rack cost me $350 and it leaks.

 

[nissanh]

^^^ With another $200 you could get an OEM.
Ouch!

 

[amalik]

Just keep it full. My aftermarket new rack cost me $350 and it leaks.

Safari?

 

[Toyotayoda]

^^^ With another $200 you could get an OEM.
Ouch!

who's your supplier of $550 OEM T4R steering racks? I'd by 2 at that price.

 

[JayRolla]

who's your supplier of $550 OEM T4R steering racks? I'd by 2 at that price.

That's how much they are.

https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/p...mber=4425035042&vehicleid=84052&siteid=214329

 

[JayRolla]

Safari?

It was from toyotasteering.com. Research showed people with high performance cars recommended them. Tie rods failed right after install. Leaks and is already loose. Company out of business.

 

[96RedRunner]

I second the Gunk Stop Leak Fliud, worked for me 100k ago on a reman rack.
second the leaking valve covers also.

 

[96RedRunner]

What mtbtim said.