$2,100.00 repair

My 2022 TRD sport 4x4 with 36,600 miles has a leak at the spool valve seal. To fix the dealer needs to: Steering Gear Box Assembly Remove and Replace. I've owned several Toyota trucks and never had an expensive repair until they were high in miles & years. Is this normal? Any information is welcome.

 

While some may be more common than others, unless it's a Ford, there are no "normal" leaks @ 36K

 

I don’t understand how they get away with this. There has seemingly been an epidemic of steering rack failures. Hasn’t happened to me yet but I’m at similar mileage and age.

But also there are guys out there with 200k miles with little to no issues. So it makes me wonder if all the racks manufactured on Friday afternoons are trash.

 

At 36,600 miles Toyota should extend some type of goodwill assistance with that repair IF you are the original owner.

 

It was a lease return. First registered April 2022, I purchased from the dealer September 2022.

 

Welcome to TW...

 

How bad is the leak and how often do you have to add fluid to power steering reservoir?

 

If it isn’t warranty, then drive it as long as you can before fixing if. No sense in going through all that trouble and expense to fix a leak or seep. Sadly, Toyota still either can’t figure it out or doesn’t care to learn how to build a steering rack that doesn’t leak.

 

First, ask the dealer if they will fix it for you under good will warranty. If they are persistent that they won't help, politely call corporate and let them know what is going on. They will assign a case manager and will most likely help with all or most of the repairs. The key here is to remain polite but somewhat firm. Start asking for complete reimbursement...they won't pay the dealer but they will pay you to pay the dealer. If they say no, start negotiating help with the fix. I wouldn't want to drive a truck that new with a leak but that's me. I would be willing to bet you will have to pay under $500 if you pay anything at all.

 

Adding power steering fluid about once a month.

 

Totally agree. My Jeeps leak fluid consistently and I just replace fluid as needed. This is what jeeps do.

 

A 2022?... 36,600 miles.... wow.
Original issue most likely was occurring at or below 36,000....

I'd call Toyota Corporate or ask the dealer to open a ticket or whatever they do and see if Toyota won't do the right thing.

 

Toyota corporate is pretty understanding of these slight out of warranty issues
Contact them

 

I dunno, I feel like any repair at dealership is going to be 2k+ no matter what it is....

 

I don’t think he was complaining about the price but rather the failure itself.

 

Thanks for the advise. Just got off the phone with Toyota Brand Management. Said they will contact the dealer to see if something could be done with pricing...? This weekend I planned to pull the trigger on heavy duty rear springs and a set of BF Goodrich A/T tires. That will be on hold :-(

 

I'd be okay with this if the truck was 6 or 7 years old, But 3 years and not even 50k miles! Thanks again for the replies. I'll post the outcome when it comes.

 

There are lots of threads about weeping racks. I have posted a lot about Mazda PS fluid (ATF) helping.

The oil pan pic looks like a leaking drain seal?

 

Yes the rack boot is damp…..adjust the fluid level and watch it…..and check out that drain plug it’s wet.

 

Toyota don’t make the rack , I would call corporate and see if they can help