Front cv axle dripping oil

I just noticed the front cv axle is leaking oil (passenger side) from where the oil is leaking and what would be the cause of that

 

Pretty obvious the steering rack is leaking and it’s just spraying back on the CV

time for a new rack, keep,the fluid topped up until it’s replaced

 

Thank u for ur reply, do u know what’s the best repair kit? Do u have the part number?


Thanks again

 

^A replacement OEM steering rack? 44250-04030: https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/__/Rack-and-Pinion-Assembly/3968726/4425004030.html

I also noticed one of your alignment cam tabs is flattened. You won't be able to align your toe properly after rack replacement. Need to bend that tab back and put a weld bead behind it for strength.

 

Thank u yea I noticed that bend
There is no rebuild kit for the rack?

 

No. Mine was found leaking during suspension work at my trusted shop. I asked the same, or is there a core exchange for a new one, and they said nope, they aren't rebuilt anymore. Labor not worth it. They got bme a good deal on an OEM rack from the local dealership they do a lot of pats business with.

 

There is a seal kit P/N in the catalog, not sure about availability. There are also reman racks offered by 4-5 companies. They all end up leaking after a year or so.

The leaks are caused by rust jacking on rack output shaft surface wearing on the seal. I guess it's difficult to polish the output shaft to the correct surface finish.

 

I am just curious if the steering rack is leaking or damaged I mean need to be replaced there won’t be a steering sound while driving or turning?

 

Help please

 

Keep driving it while its leaking and it WILL make noise sooner or later.

Think you got the rest of your answers maybe just not the one you wanted.

 

It’s leaking from a worn or damaged seal.

If your engine was leaking oil would you only worry if it made a sound?

keep it topped off until it’s fixed or you’ll be doing the power steering pump too. Good luck.

 

Check your power steering reservoir and make sure it doesn't run too low on you. Keep it up to the proper level until you can have the rack replaced.

 

Folks here almost always give you the answer you need. Unfortunately, it's not always the answer you want to hear...

 

No what I mean is maybe its leaking from somewhere else

 

I could be wrong but it sure looks like the boots are soaked thru. It may be leaking at the lines as well but the wet area is the rack.
Keep it topped off and find another sooner than later.

 

I had a similar leak last year, albeit MUCH smaller. It was my steering rack. As others have suggested, keep an eye on your PS level and you should be able to tell soon enough...

 

Mines leaking. Can’t afford the Tundra rack upgrade right now. Might throw another puny one in to at least resolve the leak.

I just run some stopleak in there and keep topped off with syn ATF. Hasn’t really been a major issue other than that.
Pump is fine. Doesn’t seem to suck in air like it would if a hose was compromised. Just a rack end seal.

If you do it, good time to upgrade the rack bushings while you’re in there.
I upgraded mine. Should’ve put a whole new rack back then.

gonna have to decide this next upcoming rack if I should just go ahead and order new bushings for it. Get it ready pre assembled to slap in.
And not mess around with the old rack trying to remove, re use, and potentially damage (years old) poly upgrade bushings that might be compromised.

(I think you have to remove the rack to put the bushings anyway)

Looks like JDFab also released some new rack bushings. Not sure off the top of my head how it compares, what’s involved in installing them, etc.

 

Thank u guys I’ll just keep my eye on that oil level cus I can’t afford to get a new rack right now

 

Update

suddenly the oil leak stops and the oil level is max

 

Things that fix themselves usually break again. I would clean up all the leaked oil and check for leaks every fuel up. Also check the fluid level frequently.