1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Very Slow Power Steering Fluid leak

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Deluxe247, Jun 11, 2017.

  1. Jun 11, 2017 at 5:13 PM
    #1
    Deluxe247

    Deluxe247 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2017
    Member:
    #210026
    Messages:
    16
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rich
    Vehicle:
    2007 Silver Tacoma Double Cab SR5 TRD Off Road
    Standard tow package. Tailgate lock.
    Please excuse the question, but I'm trying to understand my truck better, and not sure I trust advice from the dealer... I've had my '05 Tacoma for 2 years now and in the last year I've noticed a very slow power steering fluid leak. First noticed it when the pump was being loud, and since then I've had to top it off just twice. The dealer recommends a new rack, and I recently noticed a very small crack in the passenger side tie rod boot. I can only assume that what's coming out of it is power steering fluid. But should there even be fluid in that boot in the first place? Does its presence indicate a failed seal or something inside the rack?
     
  2. Jun 11, 2017 at 5:37 PM
    #2
    Bebop

    Bebop Old fashion cowboy

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2016
    Member:
    #177835
    Messages:
    4,407
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Castle rock Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Toyota Tacoma baja
    6inch lift sitting on bilstein coilovers. Lexus is300 studs in front to keep stock wheels, general grabber red letters, nfab front bumper.
    The boots should be dry. The seal in the gear has given out causing the boot to fill with fluid. Those boots are not water tight. A fluid filled bellow boot indicates a leak on the inside.
     
  3. Jun 11, 2017 at 7:17 PM
    #3
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2017
    Member:
    #216500
    Messages:
    7,491
    Yea, Bebop is correct. In a perfect world, it should be dry inside the boots. What happens is, the internal seals leak, the boots start filling up with fluid and then when you turn the steering wheel full lock, the space inside the boot decreases to less than the amount of fluid in it and the fluid gets pushed out. Although it may be tempting to just keep adding fluid, it's going to get gradually worse and so you might as well just bite the bullet and get it done. Personally, I wouldn't have the dealer do it, but that's up to you.
     
  4. Jun 12, 2017 at 6:38 AM
    #4
    PzTank

    PzTank Stuck in the Well

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2010
    Member:
    #43250
    Messages:
    5,789
    Above the Notches
    Vehicle:
    ‘15 AC SR5 4X4 4.0 Auto
    ‘07 OR leather shift knob
    When you say "do it" are you saying the whole rack has to go or can the seals be replaced? Thanks
     
  5. Jun 12, 2017 at 6:49 AM
    #5
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2017
    Member:
    #216500
    Messages:
    7,491
    There's a lot more to rebuilding a rack than just replacing a couple seals. It's best to just buy a rebuilt rack and put it in. Rebuilt racks are tested before they're sold.
     
    PzTank likes this.
  6. Jun 12, 2017 at 6:50 AM
    #6
    knottyrope

    knottyrope Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2017
    Member:
    #216122
    Messages:
    2,152
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Knotty
    Bahstun
    Vehicle:
    09 Taco CCLB 4x4 SR5 4.0
    Pads, rotors, ujoints, 5900K Super White Xenon HID Halogen Bulb Fog Light
    seals can be replaced if the shaft and bushing is ok

    I have a leaker on drivers side and looking into this now. looks like my boot popped off a while ago and there is dirt inside the boot meaning shaft might be junk
     
  7. Jun 12, 2017 at 7:04 AM
    #7
    knottyrope

    knottyrope Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2017
    Member:
    #216122
    Messages:
    2,152
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Knotty
    Bahstun
    Vehicle:
    09 Taco CCLB 4x4 SR5 4.0
    Pads, rotors, ujoints, 5900K Super White Xenon HID Halogen Bulb Fog Light
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #7
  8. Jun 12, 2017 at 7:20 AM
    #8
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2017
    Member:
    #216500
    Messages:
    7,491
    When you look at their feedback, they have a lot of satisfied customers, but they have too many unsatisfied customers. I would rather deal with a local auto parts store.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #8
    Lester Lugnut likes this.
  9. Jun 12, 2017 at 7:28 AM
    #9
    knottyrope

    knottyrope Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2017
    Member:
    #216122
    Messages:
    2,152
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Knotty
    Bahstun
    Vehicle:
    09 Taco CCLB 4x4 SR5 4.0
    Pads, rotors, ujoints, 5900K Super White Xenon HID Halogen Bulb Fog Light
    98% positive rating is ok to me. Always going to get some one complaining on ebay

    autozone carries a seal kit, I might try that if shaft isn't scored
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #9
  10. Jun 12, 2017 at 7:36 AM
    #10
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2011
    Member:
    #50374
    Messages:
    18,743
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris(Topher)
    Lago Vista, TX
    Vehicle:
    10 Taco 4x4
    A bunch a cool stickers, a bada ass MetalMiller Tx Longhorns grill emblem painted Hemi Orange, JBA long tube headers with o2 sims, Diff breather mod, Red LED interior lights, Fancy head unit that plays ipod n movies, Also DIY install factory stuff like, factory cruise control, factory intermittent wipers, OME nitro struts with 886x springs and toy tec top plate, JBA high caster UCA's for better alignmnet and dey beefier too, Old Man Emu Dakar leaf springs in da rear with the gear, U bolt flipper, Ivan Stewart TRD rims with 33" K Bro 2's, some bad ass weather tech floor liners so I don't muck up my interior, an ATO shackle flipper for mo travel in da rear wit the gear, also super shiny Fox 2.0 shocks back there too, all sorts of steal armor for bouncing off of the rocks like demello sliders, AP front skid, trans skid, n transfer skid, demello gas tank skid, and a tough as nails ARB bumper with warn 8k winch, I'm sure there's more
    Another good source for steering rack rebuilds is CVJ. They do quality work and you get an OEM rack at the fraction of the cost of dealer pricing, and higher quality than any rebuilt out there. Only thing is if they don't have a rack on the shelf, you'd have to send yours in. Just google CVJ
     
  11. Jun 12, 2017 at 8:05 AM
    #11
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can't see.

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2014
    Member:
    #140097
    Messages:
    22,360
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Billy
    Largo Florida
    Vehicle:
    '13 5 lug base AC w/convenience package
    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    You could try a power steering conditioning fluid. Siphon out the reservoir and fill it. You could get lucky and it swell the seal enough to prolong the need for the repair/replacement.

    At the most you spent 30 minutes and a few bucks.

    Otherwise, a reman rack is the quick way to fix things up, as others have recommended.
     
    Lester Lugnut likes this.
  12. Jun 12, 2017 at 8:14 AM
    #12
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2011
    Member:
    #50374
    Messages:
    18,743
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris(Topher)
    Lago Vista, TX
    Vehicle:
    10 Taco 4x4
    A bunch a cool stickers, a bada ass MetalMiller Tx Longhorns grill emblem painted Hemi Orange, JBA long tube headers with o2 sims, Diff breather mod, Red LED interior lights, Fancy head unit that plays ipod n movies, Also DIY install factory stuff like, factory cruise control, factory intermittent wipers, OME nitro struts with 886x springs and toy tec top plate, JBA high caster UCA's for better alignmnet and dey beefier too, Old Man Emu Dakar leaf springs in da rear with the gear, U bolt flipper, Ivan Stewart TRD rims with 33" K Bro 2's, some bad ass weather tech floor liners so I don't muck up my interior, an ATO shackle flipper for mo travel in da rear wit the gear, also super shiny Fox 2.0 shocks back there too, all sorts of steal armor for bouncing off of the rocks like demello sliders, AP front skid, trans skid, n transfer skid, demello gas tank skid, and a tough as nails ARB bumper with warn 8k winch, I'm sure there's more
    This along with cleaning the shaft that comes in contact with the seal/oring. It is usually some sort of contaminant that makes the seals leak. Undo the boot from the rack, slide it down the tie rod, cycle the shaft you are cleaning all the way out, wipe down with a clean rag, then wipe the area of the seal as well as possible. Get some new fluid and wipe the shaft with it and seal and cycle back n forth to lubricate and then wipe clean. You can reattach the boot to the rack with a heavy duty zip tie instead of the metal clamp since most likely you will destroy that clamp upon removing it. Do the same for the other side. This may fix the leak, or it may slow it.
     
  13. Jun 12, 2017 at 8:15 AM
    #13
    Bebop

    Bebop Old fashion cowboy

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2016
    Member:
    #177835
    Messages:
    4,407
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Castle rock Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Toyota Tacoma baja
    6inch lift sitting on bilstein coilovers. Lexus is300 studs in front to keep stock wheels, general grabber red letters, nfab front bumper.
    That conditioning fluid is garbage. If it's leaking no amount of fluid in the world will fix it. In fact you may actually damage the pump. Replace the rack. I can tell you that in my 10 years in a shop I have never rebuilt a rack. I've rebuilt a steering gearbox but never a rack. Just swap it out.
     
    Muddinfun likes this.
  14. Jun 12, 2017 at 8:17 AM
    #14
    Bebop

    Bebop Old fashion cowboy

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2016
    Member:
    #177835
    Messages:
    4,407
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Castle rock Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Toyota Tacoma baja
    6inch lift sitting on bilstein coilovers. Lexus is300 studs in front to keep stock wheels, general grabber red letters, nfab front bumper.
    A power steering system under full lock is under roughly 300 psi of fluid pressure. If you have a bad seal just swap the rack instead of beating around the bush.
     
    Muddinfun likes this.
  15. Jun 12, 2017 at 8:19 AM
    #15
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can't see.

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2014
    Member:
    #140097
    Messages:
    22,360
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Billy
    Largo Florida
    Vehicle:
    '13 5 lug base AC w/convenience package
    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    Generally I'd agree, related to all the magic elixers. However, I have had success in dramatically reducing leaks by using Honda PS fluid in non-Honda vehicles.

    No, it's not the best choice, but sometimes budget takes precedence over perfection.
     
    Lester Lugnut likes this.
  16. Jun 12, 2017 at 8:33 AM
    #16
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2011
    Member:
    #50374
    Messages:
    18,743
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris(Topher)
    Lago Vista, TX
    Vehicle:
    10 Taco 4x4
    A bunch a cool stickers, a bada ass MetalMiller Tx Longhorns grill emblem painted Hemi Orange, JBA long tube headers with o2 sims, Diff breather mod, Red LED interior lights, Fancy head unit that plays ipod n movies, Also DIY install factory stuff like, factory cruise control, factory intermittent wipers, OME nitro struts with 886x springs and toy tec top plate, JBA high caster UCA's for better alignmnet and dey beefier too, Old Man Emu Dakar leaf springs in da rear with the gear, U bolt flipper, Ivan Stewart TRD rims with 33" K Bro 2's, some bad ass weather tech floor liners so I don't muck up my interior, an ATO shackle flipper for mo travel in da rear wit the gear, also super shiny Fox 2.0 shocks back there too, all sorts of steal armor for bouncing off of the rocks like demello sliders, AP front skid, trans skid, n transfer skid, demello gas tank skid, and a tough as nails ARB bumper with warn 8k winch, I'm sure there's more
    May buy a little more time as well, no guarantees because the damage is already done.
     
  17. Jun 14, 2017 at 9:24 PM
    #17
    Deluxe247

    Deluxe247 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2017
    Member:
    #210026
    Messages:
    16
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rich
    Vehicle:
    2007 Silver Tacoma Double Cab SR5 TRD Off Road
    Standard tow package. Tailgate lock.
    Thanks y'all for the advice. I figured something was going on with an internal seal, and steering racks being what they are, I don't have the time to try and rebuild the rack myself. So then the question is what's the best rack to get? Of course the OEM part is $725 on the e-store. I've looked at Rock Auto, O'Reilly, and Autozone, even Amazon. Brands include Duralast, ATSCO, ACDelco (all rebuilt), and Cardone Select (new) ranging in price from $250 to $380. I'd rather not pay $700 or more but I don't want to put in a piece of junk either. Any suggestions? Any brands/retailers to stay away from? I'll look at CVJ, but honestly I'd rather not disable the truck for a week or two while I send in the rack.
     
  18. Jun 14, 2017 at 9:38 PM
    #18
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2017
    Member:
    #216500
    Messages:
    7,491
    Any rebuilt rack you buy is going to be sold to you with a "core charge". You pay the core charge and then when you return your old one, they refund the core charge.
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2017
  19. Nov 21, 2017 at 5:16 AM
    #19
    Fiesta346

    Fiesta346 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2016
    Member:
    #192382
    Messages:
    736
    Gender:
    Male
    PA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra rock warrior
    Believe i am having the same issue..how can you determine whether it's a line/seal or something pump or rack related
     
  20. Nov 21, 2017 at 6:22 AM
    #20
    Lester Lugnut

    Lester Lugnut Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Member:
    #32477
    Messages:
    2,822
    Gender:
    Male
    N of Mex-S of Canada-E of LA-W of NC
    Vehicle:
    '15 Tacoma PreRunner V6 SR5 Auto
    I assume you've checked both ends of the return hose.
     
    Fiesta346 likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top