Two leaks at under 40k?

Noticed that my power steering fluid was just barely low, so took a close look under the truck today.

Found that both boots on the steering rack look like they have some oil in them:



And taking a look around the power steering pump I am seeing a bit of oil, which I am concerned is the dreaded timing cover oil leak:


I topped off the power steering fluid with the correct fluid per the manual for now.

Truck is a 2021 with just under 40k miles on it. Luckily, I have an extended warranty until 72k. Both of these seem to be really minor, so I am a bit hesitant to chase down the dealer for warranty quite yet.

In particular, the repair for a leaking timing cover seems extremely invasive. Thinking about just letting these ride for another 10k or so and checking again. What do you guys think?

 

Take it in and let them fix it. You paid for the warranty, put it to use.

 

I had the timing cover on my 23 Pro w/less than 3000 miles fixed. Just find a good shop to do it right and you'll be okay.

 

Definitely feel that. At the same time, I feel like I would rather have a seep on the timing cover versus them pull the motor…

 

That timing cover leak is crazy. Can’t believe Toyota has done ZERO to correct this problem during the assembly process

 

you paid out of pocket for a shop to do it??

 

Was this good shop at the dealership? If not how did they fix the leak ?

 

Warranty.....but I raised some hell before on my 2016 Tacoma back when I had a bunch of issues with it and I have everything serviced there so they know me and I know them very well. I talked to the manager to make sure they put their best senior mechanic on it because neither of us wanted to deal with each other's BS. Plus, the guy they had do it, didn't have to remove the engine or the trans because he's done so many before and is very good from my experience with prior work.

 

Yep, the dealer, see above.

 

It could just be coming from the timing chain inspection plate on the front of the block. The gasket on it breaks down can cause the same leak as the dreaded front cover leak. Check this first. Either way you have a warranty

 

The rack is definitely leaking. This is chronic issue.
Mine has only spots on the driver’s side boot. I had to top off ps fluid year or so ago. Miraculously, the level stays stables. However, the boot is looking moist.
So the rack needs replacement, but if they do the cover without the engine out, I would schedule both items. I personally would replace the rack and leave the timing cover as is.

 

This. Good mechanics learn easier methods to repair things when possible.

I think @Bishop84 has commented he can do them w/o engine removal as well.

 

I don’t think most remove the engine anymore

 

I have a 2016 with a timing cover seep. I am keeping an eye on it. I also am concerned about pulling the front cover off to fix a small seep. The repair must be done perfectly or it can leak again, or worse cause an engine failure. Though I know many seem to have been ok with the repair.

Many have also had success cleaning the area and applying permatex to the area. The Toyota shop manger in my area with 30 years experience actually told me to apply permatex vs spending the money and risking an invasive engine repair. The leak is usually slow enough it will not damage the engine, or even show on the dipstick.

 

But you aren't doing the work.

 

Hey OP - Yup, went through dealing with the leaking steering rack last September (40k on the ODO). The drivers side boot had started seeping. Cleaned it off and it came back later but didn't notice any change in my fluid level so just left it. Then the passenger side started and the fluid began to drop a little. Took it in to the dealer and they replaced everything under my extended warranty, no questions asked. The paperwork said it was $2,000 to replace including alignment. Took it out on a 1200 mile/10 day round trip across the Oregon back country right after the work was done and it's been fine since.

 

A new steering rack will start to seep within a couple years anyways. They all leak there. Every second gen I’ve ever looked at has a weeping rack and no one fixes it.

 

I just discovered my 2021 with 36k miles has a slight leak near the power steering pump. How do you find a good shop?

 

Any pictures of how bad it is?

 

It’s just an oil seep at this point. But oil seeps can turn into oil leaks.