2016 power steering problem

Hello, I have a 2016 trd off road Tacoma. 51K miles, Toytech lift, 285/70R17 KO2 tires. A mechanic who changed the oil noticed a dampness on the power steering pump. The power steering fluid in the reservoir is between min and max marks. He recommended replacing the pump. However, someone here suggested that this could be the timing cover gasket leaking. I would appreciate your advise on what I should do at this point. On a separate note, could the mod be the cause of the problem with the power steering?

 

Sounds like the timing cover leak, I would wipe it clean and then drive a little to see if you can find the source.

 

Could also get a second opinion at another dealer just in case. PIA I know but wouldn’t hurt. This was my timing chain cover leak:

 

Is that down, looking up? Or up looking down?

 

Underneath looking up

 

Spray it with some degreaser and clean it up. Then check it every so often to seen if you can better see where the leak is coming from. If that fails they make a dye you can add to the oil and you can take a UV light and see it. If you add it to the oil and don’t see any dye, then you will know it’s the pump for sure if you’re having a hard time telling the difference