Tie Rod leaking Fluid

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and this is my first post and would greatly appreciate any help or insights to my problem.

I have a 2008 Tacoma and I noticed a noise coming from the front of my truck and found this on my way to the truck after work. The passenger side tie rod seems to be leaking Fluid, possibly oil, grease or power steering is what I think it could be. On my drive home there was some knocking noise when turning and slowing down. I looked into it and it could possibly be a CV problem.

If anyone has any input I would greatly appreciate it, I'm calling around the local mechanics but have it booked in for next week. I would like to do the repairs my self if possible but don't have a heated workspace. And I definitely would like my truck fixed ASAP.

 

looks like the power steering rack is leaking. the Knock is most likely a loose ball joint. cv shouldn't make noise when stopping, they usually click when in turns, not really a knock.

 

Ya looks like the steering rack
And also
New coilovers in front. Lol

 

I did some looking under the truck and under the hood and it is definitely leaking power steering fluid, there is practically nothing left. I found a mechanic to take it in but not for another 2 days. biting the bullet on repair costs and getting it looked at and fixed.

 

Not sure where you're located, but it's a pretty hefty price tag so you may want to shop around first. At least get some quotes.

 

I agree.
Check prices.

Buy a GOOD Quality Rack. Don’t go cheap here.
The labor alone is expensive. You only want to do this ONCE

 

Definitely tire rack leak. Similar synopsis on my truck and confirmed by the power steering fluid level, it was below the low threshold, cold marking. I recently did power steering drain and fill with valvoline MaxLife ATF (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvolin...utomatic-Transmission-Fluid-ATF-1-GA/15125768), please double check with your vehicle, but my truck calls for ATF dexron II. So far (3,000 miles) no more leaks, confirmed with dry boot and level so far. BUT I will say that I believe this is more of a temporary fix, I am planning on replacing my tire rack eventually as a preventative maintenance as I'd like to keep this truck for a long time.

 

Hopefully the mechanic an pinpoint the problem. It could just me a leaking PS pressure hose. The knocking noise can be BJ, LCA bushings, or wheel bearings. A good mechanic will check all those items for wear/tear. Clearly the PS leak is first priority.

 

Update for everyone:
Thank you everybody for the help, I did get it into a shop and the steering rack needed replaced and the noise was actually coming from my axle, apparently I had a torn boot I just never noticed, expensive fix but I upgraded parts.

 

FWIW replacing the rack is time consuming but doable for a garage mechanic. I did mine in a day and all it cost me was busted knuckles and beer.

 

how much was the rack replacement?

 

Sorry for such a late response but the the rack ended up costing me around $500CA, the mechanic I went to is a local man who does a lot of work for the farmers in the area and he was able to find me a great deal on a new rack and axle.

 

What did you do…have a couple beers, then beat up the parts store clerk, as you took the rack, and didn’t pay for it? Hah!

Just joking…