Power steering fluid leak on my rack?

I think a seal is broken for my front passenger side boot. I’m mechanically inclined and wanted to know if I could just replace the boot and be fine. Any links to OE or high quality parts would be appreciated.

Here’s a couple pictures in case this is worse than I thought.

2002 Toyota Tacoma 2.4L, RWD, Base
If that helps

 

Looks like your PS rack piston (the shaft the moves back and forth) seal is leaking and the boot only keeps dust and dirt out of that seal so replacing the boot won’t address the problem. Check the lid of the power steering pump, if it says use ATF then using power steering fluid in the system could be a problem, it was for me. A lot of research on the ‘net says it’s all hydraulic fluid so it doesn’t make a difference but I had a slight leak around the adjuster and replaced the power steering fluid that the original owner had used with Valvoline MaxLife ATF and the leak stopped.

 

Thing is not all Hydraulic is the same . That is like saying all oil is the same.

If it was made for a certain blend of ATF fluid in most cases it is seals that get effected.

Plus lots of other interesting facts I learned in school .

OP time to change the seals may as well do both sides and one alignment.

 

I am curious just what tore up the boot? How long was it like that ??

The road dirt may have caused the seal failure.

 

Something melted that boot....atf or steer fluid wont/cant do that..
maybe it was just heat and age....

Those boots are supposed to be gasoline resistant.....so its something stronger/hotter than gasoline....

Brake fluid might....and its water soluble, so always rinse well if it gets spilled....

Normal failure is the end closest to the wheel cracks and then pops a part..
or it slips off on the inner band....then drive it and dont notice it....


Now that they dont use steel bands....zip ties instead....I would always be checking them...



I double zip tie mine.

Also the 'moogs' dont last as long as oem.....after couple years they start showing their age....

 

After getting all back together, make sure that side isnt hyper extending to far on that side, over stressing that boot.

As Bivouac stated above, might be a good idea to have an alignment inspection.

 

https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-rack-and-pinion-bellows-clamp-9046062006

7$ each
Rack and Pinion Bellows Clamp - Toyota (90460-62006)

Also need this separate!
Only A bucknchange

https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-screw-9014930004


Zip ties are likely more cost efficient

 

Well I think the main problem is you have to the right tools to use the steel bands...