Leaking Steering Tie Rod Bellows

OP

It looks like part # 44250-04030-84 is the OEM reman unit.
It can be found for less than $400 from Toyota. (dealer)

 

Old Tacoma =

-worn and weak non greasable tie rods
-weak and leaking rack
-maybe torn boot(s)

 

Thank you guys for all this excellent information. Will be mulling it over deeply and will come back with questions and reports.

BTW, its a 2.7L, 4x4, 5-speed if that makes a difference.

 

i recently found this video
it looks involving with or without all of this crusty rusty

https://youtu.be/Gf48eGo0n9g?si=hK4hGVKwEBrSgZbT

 

I recently replaced the boots on my truck. I observed the amber colored fluid coming from the crack in one of the boots. I have flushed my steering fluid with red ATF a couple times in the past.
I was expecting to find a steering rack leak when I removed the boots but found the fluid leaking was just the grease from the inner tie rod.
Maybe remove the boots and do a visual inspection before purchasing a new rack?

 

I just ordered a new boot and will do the swap as shown in the youtube I posted and see what happens and report back! Buying an extra bottle of maxlife to keep in the truck to keep PS fluid topped up.

Thank you guys!

 

Yeah. It looks involved.
But I've done worse. Well, let's not say that, as anything can go "bad".
But I can't imagine it being worse than dropping transmissions or front differentials.

I just don't like doing this type work. And I hate working in/around fluid.
Differential fluid is the worst. I hate the smell.

Not to mention, all my work is done laying on my back in a driveway.
That get's old.......quick.

 

Just an update, I'm noticing a faint red tint to the fluid now, so looks like its coming through. Boot came in the mail, might still try to replace it, but not sure it will be worthwhile. Investigating the rack, appreciate the toyota OEM tip.

 

The boot is to keep dust off the inner tie rod joint. It does nothing for fluid sealing. Just keep topping off the fluid to avoid frying the pump until you can get the rack replaced.

 

Just curious -- how many miles on your truck? (Or did you already say that in one of the other replies in this thread? Did I miss that?)

 

Update:
Fluid coming out is a lot and its red, so leak confirmed.
Going to DIY this, deciding on whether to do the remanufactured OEM rack or the brand new OEM one.
44250-04030

 

Going with the new rack and new OTR ends and a filter on the Low Pressure side. Anything else I should do while I'm in there?

 

This Saturday I replaced the leaking steering rack in my Tacoma. Overall, not too difficult a job. Unbelievably, I was hung up for about an hour with the lug nuts. Those stupid caps over the nut cause all sorts of mayhem in trying to get them off. Anyway, I ordered 24 new, solid one-piece lug nuts because the stock nuts are absolutely unsafe for trail use. Glad I caught it.

Anyway, the biggest challenge for me was getting the new rack back in, I basically slid the passenger side in and then finagled it to get in. Not pleasant. It was notable how dirty my PS fluid was even after having changed it a few months prior. Skipped the inline filter but now rethinking that inline filter now...

Now looking for a toe-in alignment DIY.

 

Ugh, i have a leak on my LCA too. I got a bellows from TWSS, and got another one for the future or to give away later. I don't have any fluid on the ground, and my pump isnt making noise *yet*.

Thi year i hope I can swap boots and just top off fluid. I have 133k miles on my 2010