Steering Rack Leak

[Aelfwine]

I've had this for a while but its getting worse. It seems to be leaking right from the top, where the steering shaft connects to the rack and drips down on the bellow. Heres a few pics.

Does this mean I have to replace the whole rack or is there and easy fix? Oh and I believe somebody had used regular PS fluid in it, since whats leaking out is like engine oil color. Is that really bad for the rack too? Thanks!

 

[Aelfwine]

Bump! Anyone?

 

[Nelsonmd]

I doubt there is an easy fix for this. You might be able to get a rebuild kit, but most people opt for replacing the rack since the rebuild IIRC is kind of difficult and pretty touchy. The seal that is leaking is internal, it isn't just that rubber boot.

You might pull the boots off and see if you have any leaking elsewhere too.

As far as the PS fluid, I don't recall if there is a big problem with flushing and replacing the fluid with PS fluid, but these 4runners definitely take tranny fluid, which is red, or more rust colored when it's really old. If you replace the rack, switch back to tranny fluid (the new rack will probably be preloaded with some tranny fluid, so don't just dump in PS fluid to a new rack) and flush the pump really well. I would pull the lines and let the pump pump through some soapy water or something like that, just don't let it run dry.

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone's steering rack are failing all of a sudden?

 

[Aelfwine]

Is it a good idea to go with a rebuilt rack? I know dealer wants around $600 for a new one. There are racks on rockauto for around $200, not a bad price but I'm not sure if they're good brands though...

 

[Nelsonmd]

Is it a good idea to go with a rebuilt rack? I know dealer wants around $600 for a new one. There are racks on rockauto for around $200, not a bad price but I'm not sure if they're good brands though...

I think it's probably fine. There are a lot of opinions out there about that, but the rebuilds come with warranty's and as you say, they are alot cheaper. I bought a reman, and it seemed fine to me, is still good (only a few months on it so far).