Leaking power steering fluid

I've got a 1999 Tacoma and I'm leaking power steering fluid from a rubber "boot" behind the passenger side front tire. I'm new to this truck and don't even know what this is. Anyone know what it is and what's inside that might be leaking? Thanks

 

A picture would help. And how do you know it's power steering fluid? Toyota calls for ATF (Dexron) in the power steering reservoir.

Is it the accordion like boot around the tie rod? That's the power steering rack boot.

 

It is the accordion boot and I am assuming it's power steering fluid because the pump was whining and almost empty and that's where it was leaking. I can take a picture of it after work and post it. Thanks

 

Yep, the rack is bad ($$$$). No need for a photo, your description is pretty good.

 

Yep you need a new rack...

 

How hard is it to replace? And how much $$$ am I looking at?

 

Rack itself is pretty easy to get out. You can spend $150 on a cheap rack or 4-500 on a Toyota one. I would go ahead a get a quality rack if possible to save the headache of having to replace it often with a cheapo...

 

Right on, thanks guys!! First time on this Tacoma world and you have all been a great help!!

 

I had a bad steering rack and changed it out, it was leaking and had accordion boot tear. My power steering pump is still whining and almost sounds like there's a rattle around the belt pulley by PS pump. Is it possible when rack went out and leaked fluid out that it screwed the pump up? Any ideas For me?

 

Yes its possible that a low fluid level damaged the pump, but I would try to bleed the system before hucking a pump at it.

 

I had flushed all the fluid when I replaced the steering rack, are you saying to bleed it again?

 

Yes, bleed it, not flush it. Get the air out. I normally jack up the front wheels, steer lock to lock (engine running) 10 times and hold it at lock each time for 2-3 seconds

 

My pump just started whining a few month back. I flushed the system and changed the bushings on the rack then purged the air turning the wheel back and forth. I still notice a slight whine at certain times but not like it was before. My uncles 3.4 power steering pump whines also and a Toyota tech told him that it seems to happen a lot on this model "made it sound almost normal with high miles".