Power Steering Rack Leaking?

The Toyota dealership is quoting me $2000+, saying my power steering rack is leaking. Should I be concerned and go ahead with the repairs? I'll be taking it to another shop for a 2nd opinion.

Thanks.

 

Rack leaking. 2k is about right with oem rack at dealer. You could keep an eye on power steering fluid and ride that for probably a while.

 

You could find one from a salvage yard for a few hundred dollars. Have a shop install or do it yourself for alot less money.

 

I had to replace mine this past May, I was doing a whole Bunch of front end work at the time.
I ended up buying a replacement from TRQ ($350 shipped) fitted exactly no issues.
Not a easy job (then again my truck is a 2007 and lots of rust) but can be done.

 

During the frame replacement there were shortages and back orders on so many things (2021) and the service tech recommended on the low to just get the one I had rebuilt out on Long Island. For 300 bucks they put new seals and “rebuilt” the rack and steering pump” new bushings and everything went on to the factory rack and the pump. Things were sweet for about a week and clunk developed.
I hit this thing with the purse and multiple shops. I changed all the intermediate shafts with new oem and still clunk. It would clunk and the steering wheel would pop over about 15 degrees but keep the truck kept tracking straight. The rack was the culprit. Surprisingly ended up getting my money back for the rack job.

Thugged it out for ALMOST 2 years. Finally in the spring got an OEM rack installed. And it’s been like a basically new vehicle to drive. Also depending on mileage perhaps consider new lines and reservoir.

 

And yea that’s about the right price. Definitely ask if they can work out something with you on the price. I have been fortunate to have been able to payment plan some work AND get a cash price. It’s worth a shot

 

The power steering reservoir is a little low, but not empty and it's not actively leaking, at least I don't see a leak stain underneath the truck. I've been running this for a while, and have had no unusual issues with it, still seem to run fine. This is a 2007 DCab TRD offroad Prerunner with ~109500 miles on it. I'm the original owner so hopefully, I just need to get the rack replaced and nothing else. I would love to learn how to replace this myself, but currently it's beyond my technical abilities. Thanks all, at least I now know the price is in range and reasonable for what needs to be done.

 

It is worth getting a quote from a reputable independent shop. Mine was ~$1.7K including new outer tie rods and alignment. But, they used a remanufactured Toyota rack from a place they trust. I did hesitate and they persuaded me to go that route by also sharing - 'we trust them and we don't want to rip this back out either'. Mine was done a few years ago and my son (who now has my truck) reports no issues.

It is a challenging job.

 

Both sides of mine look close but not as bad as the top picture. I figured it’s something I’d need to do shortly but it hasn’t gotten any worse in the 5 years I’ve owned it. I don’t drive it much, probably under 5k miles this year so I’m not motivated to fix it yet.

 

I purchased one of the last new old stock OEM racks a couple years ago (online) and had the dealer install for labor only.

You can find an OEM reman for cheaper.

 

get a rack, rack bolts ( easier to cut them off IMO) power steering hoses ( you will thank me later once the HP nut spins the tubing ) and get a Steering shaft as yours might be sticking

Easy job once you drop trans down some and remove sway bar
V6 trans cooler lines can be bent out of the way

 

When I bought my first gen, it slow leaked power steering fluid and I had it in my
mind that I needed to replace the rack and pinion. I topped it off for a year or so then got around to the repair. I never sought a second oppinion, which turned out to he a mistake. I replaced it myself with an OEM part from rock auto, about $750 back then (~2015) The power steering pump broke a few months later and destroyed the new rack. I should have done both at once but didnt know. Fortunately the part was under warranty and I was able to get my money back.

 

After that, I took it to a certified shop that would warranty the work. Since then I havent been as ambitious about taking on my own repairs.

 

If you have no other symptoms, I would suggest cleaning up the boot really well and watching it for a few months. A bit of seepage is normal on these racks, and they can go for years without any change in amount. Faye Hadley has a YouTube video about common Tacoma problems, and this one was discussed in there. She recommends the “keep an eye on it“ method.

When I bought my Taco 2.5 years ago, it had some seepage, although not as much as in your photo. I cleaned it up, and honestly didn’t check it for a year; the passenger side boot had a minor wet spot that I once again cleaned up. All good!

 

Consider also getting the intermediate shafts replaced (OEM) as they do have a shelf life given the rubber components.

 

$2k to pay someone else to replace stock shit rack with another $130 shit rack instead of upgrading

when mine did that I put some Lucas StopLeak and moved on

many folks myself included have already yanked their racks out to upgrade bushings
same as R&R
the labor on this is free

wise to keep one of each fluid in the truck
if the bottle tops leak wrap some teflon tape around the threads

 

Mine has been weeping like that for years, but I wouldn't call it a leak. I put some PS stop leak in it years ago and haven't touch it since except for regular fluid checks, never even added any fluid. There are no drips on the garage floor, none. As long as all the fluids are checked regularly, you'll be fine. I doubt you would even need to top it off very often, if at all. You could go on without problems for many years on the OEM rack weeping a little. Or replace it if you want to lol.

 

I ended up just getting the part fixed. Took it to the mechanic I normally take my vehicles too, but the price was pretty much the same (about $150 cheaper). Unfortunately, they were going to use some aftermarket parts for the rack. I ended up taking it to the dealership, and they worked with me on the price. I got a new OEM power steering rack. With the pricing on the new Tacomas, I plan on keeping this truck for a very long time.

 

happy to hear you went that route but I’m sure your wallet isn’t lol.

that’s how I figured it, the truck is gonna stay with me unless someone wild offers something ridiculous

safe travels

 

Funny, just left the dealership and they reported the same "seeping" steering rack on my 2022 4Runner. Very minor damp spot on the boot, so definitely not going to pay over 2k to replace it on a friggin 2022. 100% in the "keep an eye on it" camp over here. Also quoted my $806 dollars for a rear brake job. These guys are ridiculous out here in Beaverton, Oregon.