Leaking steering rack - yay

Hey TW,

I've got leaky boots. Steering boots (passenger and drivers side pics below). This is on my 2006 Tacoma access cab (2 wd) with 113,000 miles.

I see that quite a few people have had this problem but I haven't seen many solutions other than replacing the entire rack. Is that right?

I would tackle this job myself to save the cash but I'm moving across country (CA to MD) in 8 days (and I gotta pack). Here are my options:

Option A. Local CA stealership wants $1600-1700 (new rack)
Option B. Local CA independent shop wants $800-1000 with a refurbished rack (2yr 20k mile warranty).
Option C. Let it ride and fix it on the east coast when it's bad enough. EDIT: Just called Annapolis Toyota - $1722 - warranty is 1yr - 12k mile)

Both A and B include an alignment. I'm getting info on the new rack warranty.

Anybody have thoughts? Can I go without replacing? Otherwise this taco has been maintenance free.

Thanks!
Brian

 

Local shop warranty doesn't matter much on the other side of the US.

I'd go A or C. B only if a shop in MD, otherwise the warranty is useless.

 

That's a good point PeeRunner.

Just confirmed that the new Toyota rack is $938 (ouch) and is warrantied for 1yr/12k miles. Warranty on Toyota rack is also good anywhere in the US.

I updated the options in the original post.

 

Option C.

 

Is it possible to get a boot replacement kit, similar to whats made for CV boots?

Found this:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...-boot-kit/_/N-25lj?itemIdentifier=964568_0_0_

And..

http://www.redlinemotive.com/store/...DV6PRE-003&category=M&part=Steering+Rack+Boot

 

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. Keep it topped off. Drive across country, and either do it myself on the east coast or have a local shop do it.

Paying the stealership $1700 sounds atrocious to me.

 

vram74 - apparently the boot is just a dust jacket. So if there is a leak, there's something else going on inside. That's my understanding anyways...

 

If a repair is possible and is worth it (cost and longevity of remaining parts) then I'd do that, but if full replacement is needed I'd go for whatever feels good and is local to you in MD, most people I know that have done replacement R&Ps end up having problems with them. A friend of mine has had 3 different parts house R&Ps fail on the same car just in the last 2 years.

Warranty and a good shop that stands behind it is big, IMO. Just in case.

 

PeeRunner (cracks me up every time I type that),

So would the best of both worlds be a NEW rack through a reputable independent shop?

Thanks!

 

I'd still check with a repair shop before buying a whole rack. I had the CV boot jackets replaced on my old accord and they've been fine.

Nevermind. Just read up on rack repairs. If you do find a seal kit, the repair of the old rack can cost as much as a new rack. Sorry bud

 

Check your PMs Mister Wang.

 

um that's Dr Wang to you

 

[Insert Wang joke thread here.]

 

I agree from the Pics that there is a leak - but how bad?? If your adding fluid ever week or less is one thing - but if not I'd not rush and look around for options. If there are no obvious holes and your can just check it occasionally, I'd take my time on the decision ... imo

 

Canufixit - you're right, the leak isn't too bad. Over the last few months, the leak hasn't even been measurable. I am just now needing to top off the PS fluid.

I welcome any and all Wang jokes.

 

pop off the one side of the boot, if theres liquid inside then id replace it, but if its just kind of seeping it is fine to hold off for awhile, there shouldn't be any fluid in there.

 

(short version )Why did the Dentist, Dr Wang give his patient Viagra?

He was going to pull all his teeth and the patient refused gas and needles, And he was going to need ............ Something to hold on to!!!

 

That leak is like mine on my 08' X-Runner. It's just a slight weep. I've added maybe 1.5 oz of fluid in nearly 7 years. Find some new boots and call it done. The rack is not at the point of rebuilding or replacing. Rest easy.

 

I'd do it myself. Peak into the boot and see how much fluid is making it past the seals. Then go to www.rockauto.com. They have the 4x4 rack for $249/150 core and the 4x2 for about the same. You get a refurbished unit shipped out to you, you swap it out, with new tie rods and boots installed. Take it immediately to where ever you like to get your alignment (about $60 or so one time, $200 life time) and get your alignment done. You ship the old one back, and you will be in it for way less than $700 , let alone $1700.

 

Unless it's leaking really bad, I would just drive it and check the reservoir every now and then. Another option is Lucas power steering sealer. I added it to my 08 Tacoma and never added fluid again. I used an old turkey baster to suck most of the fluid out of the reservoir and then added almost the whole bottle. I didn't think it would work, but it did. My boot looked a lot like the one in your picture.