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Here’s a new one, leaking steering column

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by 5nahalf, Nov 26, 2019.

  1. Nov 26, 2019 at 8:42 AM
    #1
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    this morning I noticed some oil on my floor mats, the steering column is leaking :)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Going to bring it into the dealer hopefully tomorrow if they have a apt.
     
    gtpowers and The hammer like this.
  2. Nov 26, 2019 at 8:56 AM
    #2
    ryan760

    ryan760 Well-Known Member

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    Well thats a new one. Where is it coming from exactly, can you tell?
     
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  3. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:00 AM
    #3
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    It looks like it’s coming from the area right next to the sticker in the first picture. I didn’t look too hard though as I was on my way to physical therapy.
     
  4. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:05 AM
    #4
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    Looks like it could very easy drip onto the brake pedal.... oil covered brake pedal is not a good thing.
     
  5. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:07 AM
    #5
    tcjacado

    tcjacado Well-Known Member

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  6. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:07 AM
    #6
    ryan760

    ryan760 Well-Known Member

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    Please keep us up to date
     
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  7. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:16 AM
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    GHOST SHIP

    GHOST SHIP hates you.

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    Does the steering column contain oil in a sealed area? That is odd. I’m wondering if it’s just excessive assembly grease that may have “sweated” out. Maybe due to use of the footwell heater during these colder months? If that’s the case you shouldn’t see much more come out and you can wipe away any residue.

    you have my curiosity.
     
  8. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:16 AM
    #8
    GoldenBrew

    GoldenBrew Insufficient Privilege

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    MT or AT? Check your master cylinder and any other fluid containing holders attached to the firewall on the driver side for obvious signs of a leak. ??
     
  9. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:37 AM
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    tcjacado

    tcjacado Well-Known Member

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    It has a piston assembly for the tilt/telescopic movement in the steering wheel. If you unlock the steering column with the little lever on the bottom of column and reach down under the dash and grab that silver thing with the sticker on it. Then move the assembly up and down and so forth you can feel it move around.
     
  10. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:45 AM
    #10
    12TRDTacoma

    12TRDTacoma Powered by Ford, GM, VW, and Mercedes

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    That is a dry assembly and usually is assembled dry as well.

    The only thing which I presume could be causing you issues there is if they used some sort of lube to assemble it and the excess sweated out as previously mentioned in which case you are fine...

    Or

    Your master cylinder for brake fluid is starting to leak out as previously mentioned, which is the more likely scenario here.

    I would clean up the fluid and just monitor it. If you see if again, you got an issue.
     
    Big tall dave likes this.
  11. Nov 26, 2019 at 9:54 AM
    #11
    CementHead18

    CementHead18 Well-Known Member

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    Can't believe no ones asked yet... Maybe it's coming from the turn signal stalk... Blinker Fluid... Can't believe I wrote that but there it is...
     
  12. Nov 26, 2019 at 10:10 AM
    #12
    Brownie_Man

    Brownie_Man Well-Known Member

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  13. Nov 26, 2019 at 10:40 AM
    #13
    GHOST SHIP

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    #fancythirdgens
     
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  14. Nov 26, 2019 at 11:05 AM
    #14
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    Its a auto, the only fluid noises I hear in my truck is when I push down the brake I hear fluid squeaking, but its dont that since new.

    This fluid must of come out this morning as it was wet when I took the pictures, but its soaked into my floor mat now.


    Ive had my heater on for nearly a month now, and it leaked out in the morning after the truck sat all night. So its not a heat thing.


    I have a apt tomorrow to get this looked at and have my 40-50mph shudder taken care of.
     
  15. Nov 26, 2019 at 12:05 PM
    #15
    Junkhead

    Junkhead TRDude

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    Good point. I like to use Valvoline Max life, works great!

    ymZg7JM.jpg
     
  16. Nov 26, 2019 at 2:22 PM
    #16
    GoldenBrew

    GoldenBrew Insufficient Privilege

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    check your brake fluid reserve reservoir and see if it is above the minimum line. Sounds to me like it is the master cylinder failing - which pulls fluid from the referenced reservoir. Thought I read somewhere on the 3rd gen thread there was a recall for some related to failing master cylinder. When the master cylinder fails your brake pedal will go to the floor and you will have no brakes.
     
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  17. Nov 26, 2019 at 2:24 PM
    #17
    gmtech

    gmtech Well-Known Member

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    lube sweating from column..
     
  18. Nov 26, 2019 at 2:27 PM
    #18
    rnish

    rnish Well-Known Member

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    Also works as power steering and transmission fluid.
     
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  19. Nov 26, 2019 at 2:31 PM
    #19
    FastEddy59

    FastEddy59 TTC #0061

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    I would recommend a complete column flush. Why take chances. :notsure:
     
  20. Nov 26, 2019 at 2:32 PM
    #20
    StayinStock

    StayinStock Set it and forget it

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    In for an answer.
     
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