Steering Rack Leaking

It appears that my steering rack is leaking. I took my skid plates off to make a check list for parts, since I'm going to change out my lower ball joints, and both inner and outer tie rods. There was fluid all over the shaft, that moves in and out. I took it to the car wash and degreased the engine bay, and everything under the front end. So much fun laying on wet cement to spray underneath. I figured if I cleaned it up, first, I'll have a better chance at maybe finding where the leak if coming from. Toyota Power steering racks aint cheep, but I found this one, not going to waste my time or money on a shitty reman, from everything I've read here on TW.

https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth...bly-4425035042?c=bD0xJm49U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM=

1995-2004 Toyota Gear Assembly 44250-35042
Toyota OEM Part # 44250-35042 | 1995-2004 Toyota


PART CAN BE FOUND AS REFERENCE #6 IN ILLUSTRATION

• List Price:$761.75
• You Save:$263.57 (34.60% off)
• Sale Price:$498.18

 

You might try a new steering rack guide 1st.
Might be worth it for a 50 dollar part.
Part # 45504-35031

The steering rack you listed is the best price I've seen for an OEM unit.

 

I know you’re not too keen on remans, I went with the OEM personally but I have helped 2 different people replace their front racks with rebuilds. One was a 2nd gen 4Runner (dame rack as ours) and the other was a 2002 Tacoma. Both were very well built with polymer bushings and seals. If I’m not mistaken they were from rackdoctor and had a lifetime warranty for 1/3 the price. Just something to consider

 

@cantey ; @Nevin , Thanks guys, I actually have watched Timmy the Toolmans rack guide replacement video, and I also looked at the rack Doctor website. Cantey, do you have any idea how the Rack Doctor is holding up, and how long it's been in the Truck, just curios. I've pretty crippled up, and hate to think about doing something twice. I spent about 3 hours searching every Toyota Dealership online, that I could find, and that price is hands down the best one I found. I'll crawl back under it in a day or two and see how it's looking. Appreciate TW wealth of knowledge and support. Just FYI, mine isn't making any weird noises or clunking sounds, just noticed it was leaking on top of the skid plates.

 

@Nevin , not to sound to ignorant, and since I know little about power steering systems, other than a hydraulic system is doing all the work turning the vehicle, how is a new rack guide, going to stop a leak. I thought these things leaked when internal seals went bad. Just asking

 

From what I've learned early Tacoma/4runners (pre 2001) ran a roller style rack guide. These rollers on the guide would wear over time and start seeping fluid.
The new rack guide (part#9 on reference diagram) has a Teflon coated bearing instead of the rollers. I still believe this part can wear overtime and seep fluid.
I have not done this repair myself yet. So I can't speak from a successful attempt at sloppy steering. If you have cleaned the whole rack itself, it maybe worth while to start your truck, have someone turn the wheel, while crawling under vehicle and see if it leaks from said part.
It's a tenth of the price of a new rack.

 

@Nevin , exactly my next plan of action, crawl underneath, and have my brother in law turn the wheel, and see if I can see where it's leaking from. I agree, I'd rather spend $50.00 bucks vs $500.00

 

I hope it works in your favor. I'd like to hear your success. Take care!

 

Following! Mine is leaking 04 prerunner double cab

 

I totally understand, my biggest pet peeve is doing something twice. The same rackdoctor rack that is in my buddy's 4runner has been in there 4 years and the tacoma has had it for 5. This would be my exception for using non-oem parts, you can tell they did a good job with them.

 

My reservoir is leaking fluid out from the cap. Not sure if air is getting into the system or what. I noticed it while I had the truck sitting in idle for about half an hour to see if the evap box was leaking water into the floor board as the jute under my carpet was wet. I gutted the interior for a detailed cleaning and noticed it.

Are ps fluid caps a wear item that can leak or is air getting in my system? I don't see any leaks around the rack and no noise from the pump as of yet.

 

For anyone still interested, I replaced the inner and outer tie rods on both sides. Used 555 parts since Genuine Toyota parts are so expensive. The Passenger side of the Steering rack does appear to be leaking fluid. The rod that moves in and out had a nice slick coating of Transmission Fluid on it, not dripping or running, but definitely wet. Drivers side just barely had a film on it. So I'm going to "assume" that there's a seal that most likely is leaking. Would the guide listed in post#2 help this problem of leaking on the passenger side. Also looks like new steering rack bushings next spring.

 

I don't believe the rack guide and the small spring behind it will cure any leaks. It will only help get rid of play in the wheel and wandering on the freeway.

Steering rack guide spring can wear over time and lose its resistance.
Steering rack guide spring part #
90501-26074

 

Honestly, save your money for a new (or remanufactured) steering rack. Don't bother with a new guide or bushings. That won't help. The only feasible way to fix a steering rack leak is the replace the whole thing. If it's a slow leak you don't have to replace it right away, but it will get worse over time.

 

OP, If your steering is fine and the leak isn't a major gusher, just ignore it and drive merrily along. On my 2000 4runner, I discovered my rack was leaking when I disconnected the passenger side boot and ATF poured out. What did I do? I put the boot back in place and double checked my power steering level was good and that was that. Unless the leak is like Niagara Falls, you can get more mileage and years out of that steering rack of yours. Every once in a while when you fill up with fuel, pop your hood and check the power steering level. If you go on a long road trip, maybe bring a quart of Dextron III ATF with you so you can top it off if it needs it. Many, many people are driving vehicles with engines, transmissions, transfer cases, differentials that leak like a sieve and what they do is just check their levels more often to buy more time and to avoid a timely and expensive repair.

 

Agreed. I went almost 3 years after discovering my rack was leaking till I finally replaced it. I replaced it when air started finding it's way into the system.

 

use a bottle of lucas power steering stop leak. it's worked for many others with leaky racks. Only need to use about 1/2 bottle. I plan to do that with mine once my reservoir runs low enough. Mine's been leaking a tiny bit for a while now

 

Thanks for all the replies. For now, I'm just going to keep checking my fluid level. think I'll pick up a bottle of the lucas stop leak. Mine isn't leaking so bad yet, and my steering is just fine. Until it becomes a real problem, just add fluid.

 

I have one final question for Timmah! and ThunderOne, and anyone else who might know the answer. Since our 1st gen Power steering systems use Transmission fluid and not power steering fluid, should I use a bottle of lucas Power steering stop leak or Lucas Transmission stop leak. Just curious as to which one would work the best.