Steering Rack boot leak

[brian4t]

I saw a few threads on here but no one offered advice other than replacing the rack.

I've got a 2001 4wd with 112K. The passenger side rack boot has a small slit and I noticed a drop of ATF Fluid (I think) leaking VERY slowly out of the boot. I've not added fluid but I did flush with new ATF about three months ago. My question is would you mess with it and wait to see if the leak goes away or would you be proactive and try to add a small amount of LUCAS to the system. Thought everyone?

 

[Drcoffee]

I'd replace the rack if the seals are goong bad. Why mess around when its just going to get worse. This is a DIY project with a rebuilt rack for under$300 plus alignment.

 

[brian4t]

Only going to replace the rack with OEM or rebuilt OEM so we're looking at a lot of money. I have noticed no fluid missing and that's why I was thinking the Lucas could spare me a few years. If it wen't for the slit in the boot I would have not even noticed it. Can anyone comment on the progression of a rack leak from a similar experience?

 

[1985taylor1925]

Only going to replace the rack with OEM or rebuilt OEM so we're looking at a lot of money. I have noticed no fluid missing and that's why I was thinking the Lucas could spare me a few years. If it wen't for the slit in the boot I would have not even noticed it. Can anyone comment on the progression of a rack leak from a similar experience?

Definately try the lucas additive first. I use it. They guarontee that it will stop seal leaks. If your not leaking enough to notice the fluid going down on a weekly basis, I wouldnt worry about replacing the rack just yet. Try the additive first.

And like you said, go OEM. But DO NOT go rebuilt. Im on my second rebuilt rack right now, and it feels sloppy. Its only been on for 8k. From the research Ive done our racks were not meant to be rebuilt effectively. Check this out 1998 Toyota 4 Runner Power Steering Rack Toyota Steering Brand new racks for $345. Thats a ridiculously good deal. I paid $375 for my rebuilt rack, and then found out about this site like a month later. But unless the rack has a ton of play in it that you can feel in the steering wheel, agian I would think about replacing it yet.

 

[brian4t]

Definately try the lucas additive first. I use it. They guarontee that it will stop seal leaks. If your not leaking enough to notice the fluid going down on a weekly basis, I wouldnt worry about replacing the rack just yet. Try the additive first.

And like you said, go OEM. But DO NOT go rebuilt. Im on my second rebuilt rack right now, and it feels sloppy. Its only been on for 8k. From the research Ive done our racks were not meant to be rebuilt effectively. Check this out 1998*Toyota*4 Runner*Power Steering Rack Toyota Steering Brand new racks for $345. Thats a ridiculously good deal. I paid $375 for my rebuilt rack, and then found out about this site like a month later. But unless the rack has a ton of play in it that you can feel in the steering wheel, agian I would think about replacing it yet.

Good advice, thanks. I'm skeptical about ordering any part online that claims to be OEM. Happen to know what a dealer would charge? 1K?

 

[tbst]

You could probably go to a pull your own parts place and get one for $100 or so.

 

[Drcoffee]

And like you said, go OEM. But DO NOT go rebuilt. Im on my second rebuilt rack right now, and it feels sloppy. Its only been on for 8k. From the research Ive done our racks were not meant to be rebuilt effectively. Check this out 1998*Toyota*4 Runner*Power Steering Rack Toyota Steering Brand new racks for $345. Thats a ridiculously good deal. I paid $375 for my rebuilt rack, and then found out about this site like a month later. But unless the rack has a ton of play in it that you can feel in the steering wheel, agian I would think about replacing it yet.

Have you tried replacing the steering rack guide with the newer version? It made a huge difference in my steering system.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Good advice, thanks. I'm skeptical about ordering any part online that claims to be OEM. Happen to know what a dealer would charge? 1K?

I dont know what a dealership would charge. But it would be a ton. I get all my parts here Toyota Auto Parts at Toyota Parts East | Genuine OEM Toyota Parts They sell all Toyot OEM. The racks are around 675 i think. But getting one from a salvage yard is a good option too. If you can find one with low enough miles. I would get one with low miles from a salvage yard long before I would get a rebuilt one

 

[1985taylor1925]

Have you tried replacing the steering rack guide with the newer version? It made a huge difference in my steering system.

Ya. That and new rack bushings were the first two things I did before replacing my rack. And then replacing it again. The guide only helps the driver side. If the passenger side goes bad theres nothing you can do about it.