Power Steering leak

I would take it to a reputable independent shop for an estimate. It could save you some $$

 

FYI factory PS fluid is usually undyed, so that might not be a great indication

 

True, but in the OP's picture......the PS fluid is far from clear.

Maybe not red, perhaps a dirty red/brown, likely not black like engine oil.

 

Exactly. And if the OP is days away from the powertrain warranty expiring, it may be worth letting the dealer take it in.

 

Toyota uses ATF as power steering fluid, at least on the 1st and 2nd gens... Dunno about the 3rd gens. Says it on the PS reservoir cap to use ATF

 

Its sub 30 degrees the next few days and I only drove it a few miles yesterday after the SA filled it, so it would be safe to draw the fluid down.

I think my 60 months is on the 16th, so I'll spend the $100 bucks on the 15th to get them to determine the source.
Thanks again everyone

 

Yep. Dexron III or equivalent. There was a particular requirement for our Mazda, but it was compatible with the Taco when I needed a small top up.

I am not a fan of shops, esp if it is an easy accessory replacement, but in your shoes, I think that is the right move.

 

Sub 30F.....oh dear. You must be in TX.

Sub 0F here, with 2-3 inches snow falling. Wind puts the "feels like" temperature Sub -10F. Plus we get to shovel snow in these temps.......

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/42°c.707201/

 

Yeah, I saw that. They have my sympathy.

 

Actually, live in Arkansas. Sunday forecast low of 4 and Monday -2. Right now actual temp 19.

 

While Toyota does spec ATF for the power steering system, as someone previously noted in this thread, from the factory the fluid is not dyed red, so if the fluid hasn't been changed, it would be clear/light yellow.

As far as the cost of the repair, if the pump is indeed what is leaking, you could always replace the seal or gasket that is leaking instead of replacing the pump itself.

That said, the pump really isn't as expensive as I thought, you can buy it online for under $270, and a gasket/seal kit is only about $20.

Even at retail price for the part, they quoted you over $1400 labour to replace the pump??

Jeff

 

SA estimated the replacement @ $700. Had appointment today @9:30, but the dealership cancelled appointment because of the weather. Rescheduled for tomorrow, but we are suppose to get more snow tonight, so that appointment is at risk.

 

so was it actually your power steering pump?? my truck had a service done today and i have a leak in the same area.

 

Don't know yet....the dealership cancelled the appointment today. Reschedule for tomorrow

 

oh sorry missed that part, got my dates backwards.

 

So I called Toyota corp last night and they said that I was in my 61st month of warranty, and if there is any issues take it up with the dealership.....Wow, they brushed me off.

Went to my appointment today...Talked to the SA. I asked about Power-train warranty, and he looked it up and said it expired 3 days ago. So now I will be looking at a Power Steering pump replacement $700 or a timing gasket @ $3K. Because the leak was detected before the PT warranty expired he said they could get it covered. Now the waiting begins.......An hour later the SA comes up and says the most glorious words I have heard in awhile. "It is the timing gasket and we will get it covered under the PT warranty" He said they have to order the parts and then 1.5 days to complete the work. They gave me a brand new Tundra to drive (at no cost) until the truck is finished. Also because it was covered under the warranty, I didn't have to pay the $129 diagnosis fee.

Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. Think I'll head to Vegas and "press my luck". LOL

Thanks again to everyone for the input.

 

Oh, to add to the story.....I talked to the SA about T-SB-007-16 ECM Calibration: Shift Feeling Enhancements. He looked it up, its covered until 96 months or 80K. They are completing the upgrade to Rev1 also

 

I believe that is an outdated TSB? I would ask to verify that your ECU ID is 04B04 (short hand for 8966304B0400) after the update. There are many TSBs that will get to 04B04, like TSB-0058-18, TSB-0062-18, TSB-0125-18, TSB-0013-19, etc.

 

Glad to hear you got it checked out and they will cover it.