Leaking steering rack - yay

Ive got the same problem. I'm just going to ride it out until it really starts to leak. Rarely ever have to add PS fluid so its no big deal

 

Do you have a part number? There isn't one called out as the 4x4 version. The RWD version is mentioned.

Reason why I ask is I have spent the weekend at NAPA looking at part numbers PS 361706 and PS 361709. Neither worked for my 4x4 truck. The mounting points for the steering rack are closest to the front of the truck on the two NAPA part numbers, when I needed them on the other side of the rack to work for my truck.

If you click on the picture for the A-1 CARDONE Part # 262647, the mounting points look correct, even though it is listed for RWD vehicles.

If you click on the picture for the A-1 CARDONE Part # 262629, the mounting points look like they are closest to the front of the vehicle and wouldn't work for my 4x4 truck. I assume this is the $250 rack you are mentioning. Not sure how much faith to put into the pictures, but this rack is listed for base model and pre runners.

 

Just get it from autozone. Dont have to pay any shipping. Dont have to ship a core back. Easy day. Replacing the rack is pretty easy job. Did one on a avalon few months back. Total after alignment was less than $600

 

I don't know why people are saying to just replace the boots. Boots only protect the steering shafts from contaminants. Your problem is the seals. My suggestions are.

A: Get the rack replaced ASAP

B: Flush the PS with Dex 3 stop leak http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...1-P?navigationPath=L1*14924|L2*15037|L3*16133
You'll need maybe 3 to do a full flush, but get 4 for top offs so you can make it cross country.

C: Buy a rack http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...7-P?navigationPath=L1*14921|L2*15011|L3*15752 to take with you on the trip just in case. Never know when those seals will give out completely.

Removing and installing a rack isn't too bad, I just did it to replace my bushings, but you will want to get an alignment after for sure. Once you get to MD, if you haven't done the job yet, I can do it for cheaper than a shop minus the alignment if you want to save a little cash.

 

Old thread I know but figured it was better than starting a new one for the same issue. I was wondering if you got yours fixed or left it like it was for a while longer. Mine is looking like this as well. Not sure yet if it's the tie rods or seals. I've got an extended warranty so I'll be dropping by the dealership as soon as I can.

Passenger side:

Drivers side:

 

That's the seals on the rack. Tie rods don't produce fluid like that

 

thats what I figured. Guess it's a replacement then. May also be a rod though as every now and then depending on how the wheel is turned if I hit a bump I can feel the front end bump as well like a metal to metal sort of bump. I'll be swinging by the dealership to have them check it out. Put the extended warranty to use.

 

Any more results? Reviving thread because my 2007 is leaking. Looking like I will replace it myself if I can.

 

Toyota put in an after market rack during my frame swap , $400 , labor free.