Steering rack replace

So I just dropped my truck off for a "service 2"
I am in Canada and have 62000 kms on my 17.
They called to tell me my steering rack is leaking. Cost to replace is around 2k.
Wtf why would this happen so early? Options instead of 2k?
Thanks

 

I was told the same thing 15 months ago truck was at roughly 90k km , leaking steering rack, never any signs of leaks on my driveway, quoted $3k to replace , talked to a mechanic at an independent shop, he suggested throwing in some stop leak and monitoring it . Fluid level hasn't changed since, and I never did notice it being low to begin with.

I also went to look at a 2018 a month ago that was used with only 40 k km on it , and it was in the shop getting a new rack installed . Not sure if this is a known issue with certain model years ?

 

I've heard it from a number of 2nd Gens also.

 

Look at the tierod end boots. Are they wet on the bottom? If so, the rack end seals might be weeping or leaking. I had that and needed to add a little bit of fluid. I had some fluid for our Mazda PS, which like the Taco, is Dexron III compatible. That little bit seems to have conditioned the seals and life has been great since. Like, 40,000mi or more. My need boots are dry since.

$18 Genuine Mazda 0000-77-112E-01 Transmission Fluid

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GKGCP5G

 

I flushed mine and added this back in. I need to redo it and use the rest of the quart.

 

Awesome!

Save the rest for top up. The first time, it was only the difference between the two lines. I was surprised.

 

Very common on Tacomas. One of the few weak points.

Pain in the ass to change. I only recommend them if it’s leaking actively.

I’d estimate 50% of all Tacomas 2nd and 3rd gens have oil in the rack boots after 100k

I’ve changed them as early as 10k

 

They said it is an interal leak. So the part just failed semi prematurely. So now I'm wondering how they found? Or assumed a leak...
They did say the fluid was low then a bunch of non str8 answers it seemed. I asked if it was topped up. O I assume so not sure...

 

Definitely get a second opinion. Internal leak? Very suspect.

What do you see? The dealer is not pulling things apart to evaluate.