Steering Rack Leaking

I would probably use the power steering one but do you really want to use stop leak? If it's not leaking that bad, let it leak and just check your level once and a while. I've heard horror stories of using stop leak type of products and it might do more harm than good. Right now your steering system works fine.

But, I just looked up reviews on Amazon and the Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak gets pretty damn good reviews. If you try it out, let us know how it worked to slow or stop the leak.

 

@Timmah! Thanks for the reply, I'm not going to use it right away, just going to keep checking the fluid level. But if it gets worse, I'll get a bottle and try it out, and post back here wether I had good results or not.

 

Hey OP, any updates?

My '99 Prerunner has had wet boots for years now, and I've maybe added a bit of fluid once since I've had it - the reservoir never seems to be low, so I don't know what it's leaking! Anyway, the steering has been practically moaning lately when I make slow turns and it's cold. Unfortunately I don't have a garage at the moment, so I can't do too much work on it and I took it in to a local shop where they quoted me... $1400 to replace the rack! (although that includes front alignment and new belt , but $700 for a reman'd rack - OEM's are cheaper!) This place was recommended since I'm new in town, but I guess I'm going to have to just hang out until I find the right house (with the right garage) and do it myself.

I am curious though if your steering is making noise like mine is. It has definitely been getting worse lately.

 

everyone I have seen use lucas stop leak for power steering seems to have good results, and those were other forum members. However, if the leak is really, really bad (as in it's all leaking out within a few minutes), then stop leak won't do you any good anymore haha

 

worked great for me! I used the power steering stuff, not the tranny stuff.

 

Sorry for the non replies, I've had a lot on my mind lately. But for now, I'm just going to add fluid when I need too. My rack isn't making any noise yet. when the time comes, I'll use the stop leak to see if it helps or not. I've read a few posts, that Rack Doctor has been reliable for some, and hit or miss for others. The toyota rack that I found, will more than likely be the way I go. I like what "Nevin" had to say in post #14 about play in the steering, which I have while driving on the freeway, it's not bad, but if a new rack guide will help there, I might invest the $50 bucks, and try that also. Worst case, is I take it back out, and keep it for a spare. So far, I've been happy with the way it drives and handles bumps with the new lower ball joints and new tie rods.

 

If it helps, I had noiced a similar problem with my truck having fluid on the skid plate; it got so bad, I couldn't go 5 miles before my reservoir would be empty. Investigation found that on the U clamp holding the rack to the truck on the passenger side, the rubber grommet had deteriorated, allowing the support bracket to wear on the rack itself. It wore a pinhole into the rack behind the grommet which I couldn't see. there was no leak evident when the truck wasn't running butas soon as the engine started, it would leak profusely around the support clamp. when I removed the support, I could still only see the leak when the engine was running; had my rack replaced two days later.