Power steering fluid keeps getting used up

98 Tacoma power steering fluid keeps getting used up . I dont see any leaks on the ground. but I hearing it making noise. It was making noise about 4 months ago and mechanic topped it off. was fine until just recently ( and I am not driving it much)

does it matter what type of power steering fluid I put in ? I guess there must be a leak someplace?

thanks!

 

1st gen Tacomas use Dextron ATF in power steering.

 

Check your vacuum air control valve, its located on the power steering pump and has two small vacuum hoses attached to it, pull the hoses off the valve and see if there is any ATF in them. One hose runs to intake manifold the other runs to intake plumbing prior to throttle body or to throttle body itself, its job is to idle up engine during power steering pump load demand. These valves can leak allowing ATF to be sucked into your intake system indicating a loss of fluid over time with no visual cues, also if i remember correctly one of the hose spigots on the valve has a raised oval protrusion on it, that hose goes goes to the intake manifold the other to the intake plumbing or throttle body, i could be wrong but check maintenance manual.

 

Power steering don't get into the combustion chamber like engine oil. It's definitely leaking somewhere

 

Earlier model 1st gens had a power steering pressure operated vacuum bypass valve to increase idle speed during high steering loads so theoretically it could leak and be burned by the engine if that valve ruptured internally.
The rack could be leaking internally as well and not showing up on the ground...yet.

 

That's a potential but I haven't heard or seen with that issue. I'd seen it where the rack leak internally.

 

Yea, both are potential areas for the fluid to diassapear to without leaving any evidence.
An internally leaking rack will eventually show up on the outside once the boots fill up with fluid.

 

Start it up and let it idle, then turn the wheel back and forth lock to lock. Mine had a corroded steering rack (thanks to a compromised boot), and would only spew fluid in certain positions.

I could drive long road trips and never loose a drop.... unless I turned left too hard

 

Hummmm the LS400, SC400, 4Runner, T100, Tundra, Tacoma and even the Corolla/Camery use a vacuum air control valve for power steering (older models) similar to this and there have been issues with them mostly the older Lexus. Its pretty easy to check, remove two vacuum hoses and look for presence of ATF, its a sneaky leak because it gets burned off by the engine and no other visual cues.
Offering a possibility.
R

 

I had this exact issue. In my experience the issue was a leaky shaft seal on the passenger side. If the boots are intact, my money is on them collecting the fluid and that's why you don't see any leaks on the ground, especially if you see the metal band style clamps.

Cut the bands and pop the boot off. But be ready, my boot was holding back almost a quart of fluid.

 

If it's not collecting in the rack boots,
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ut-can’t-find-any-fluid.689975/#post-24367880
and the following post.

 

Thanks everyone for the information. This morning when the light was bright and right on my truck I was able to see a leak (found out I am getting cataracts) the sunlight helped.. the boot on drivers side has a puncture in it and also looks to be leaking at the seal of the boot. I am glad no I have an understanding of what is going on. If i would young and healthier I might attempt to replace the racks myself but I probably dont have the right tools and good enough vision. darn!! not sure why i dont get email notices when answer are posted on the thread. I will look into that. Thanks!

 

I wonder how expensive this is gonna be? For sure the driver side boot is leaking since there is a cut in the top of it. hopefully that doesn't mean it is going to need entire rack and pinion replacement. .yikes!!

 

Most folks will recommend a new or used OE rack followed by a rebuilt OE rack.
All aftermarket "new" racks are Chinese knock offs with extremely questionable quality, quality control and longevity. They can be found from countless vender names for less than a rebuilt OE and for a good reason

If your handy and that's the high end of handy, the rack can be re-sealed. This is what you would be getting into.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rack-pinion-service-tools-tips.312600/

 

thank you Dirty Pool great information. I now have an idea of what to ask for.
I used to me pretty handy when I was younger but chronic lyme seems to be taking the fun away. unfortunatly I am probably going to have to let this fun go to a High end handy mechanic.

I would love to try it though. your instructions are excellent!

 

probably a stupid question .sorry does it matter if it is Dextron III or VI ? any version? thanks

 

It calls for Dex 2 (obsolete) or 3 so I'd go with 3.