fixing a leaky steering rack

So my power steering has started moaning and groaning. I've been replacing the fluid every couple of days to keep from burning the pump out. Has anyone had any success with the stop leak fluids or repairing the rack? Ill post some pictures in a bit.

 

it's time for a new or reman one, have fun with that I am about to do my 3rd

 

If you are going the remanned route, I just used these guys in Michigan for a rack for my wife's Audi...great product, great customer service.

http://jorgenauto.com/

Haven't used them yet for a Tacoma though.

 

"Repairing" would be the same as getting a remanufactured one. (i.e. they disassemble the rack, replace worn out components, install new seals, then pressure test)

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2003/toyota/tacoma/steering/steering_rack.html

 

Good luck with the steering rack. I just replaced my steering rack bushings that were worn this past weekend (Energy Suspension Bushings). You might want to think about replacing those "while you are in there" in addition to inner / outer tie rod ends if they are worn. You really would not be adding any additional work to the job. There is some good right ups in the DIY section.

 

Unfortunately, my method of "pour fluid in every other morning" means that everything above my skid plate is saturated with ps fluid. I might just surrender to my mechanic on this one.

 

Mine started leaking because the power steering fluid ate the seals. Replace it with a rebuilt one from the auto parts store and fill it with ATF. That's what I did, and I have no more leaks!

 

Well, I was just told that I had a power steering fluid leak in a boot in the rack and pinion and that the boot cannot be replaced and that the whole rack and pinion had to be replaced to the tune of $1,200. Or I could watch the power steering fluid level, as the leak is slow. At this point, 57,000 miles, I am now officially fed up with my 2006 Taco. Prior to the warranty going out I had multiple things go wrong, axle leaks, front end squeaks/problems, suspension problems. The list goes on. All in all it is the most problematic vehicle I have ever owned. And I don't even go off road. It's a means of transportations for me and a place to keep my groundskeeping tools. I thought Tacomas were dependable. With my low miles I don't think I should be having such major problems.

 

@ k2raus

I'm sorry you're having so many problems with your new taco. Since it's a slow leak, I would suggest watching the fluids for a few months and adding some stop leak into it. My leak is too big for that to be an option.


Has anyone taken apart the rack & pinion before? I found the schematics online at ttora as well as a pretty good write up:

Schematics Write up: Upon closer inspection, it looks like my leak is somewhere in the Control Valve Housing. Can I remove this without having to remove the whole rack? My plan is to replace the O rings and see if my situation improves.

Any tips?

 

Reviving an old thread... I helped my buddy’s kid do a tune up/oil change yesterday and he had power steering fluid everywhere. They had already brought it to the dealership and Toyota mechanic said it was possibly leaking power steering hoses. For those who have done this, is it fair enough to say it’s the rack that’s leaking ?

 

if it's in the engine bay it's got to be from either hoses, or reservoir. Toyota tech is probably right. they ain't dumb. now if it's in the ground and steering rack boots only then it's the rack.