Possible Power Steering Problem:

Howdy Folks,

New to Tacoma World, so apologies if this has already been mentioned. I have tried scrolling through old threads, but want to make sure I have this down. I have a 3rd gen, long bed tacoma - 2016.

I am pretty confident that my power steering fluid is leaking (not dripping on ground, just collecting under boot). I noticed this line is absolutely gunked up, and thought it was strange that the other lines look completely fine. I am not all that mechanically inclined, so forgive my ignorance.

Does anyone know what this line is in my first image? Is it related to the power steering? I thought it was maybe the pressure feed tube? Maybe the power steering cooler? Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

 

is the p/s fluid low?
get some brake kleen to remove the gunk and just watch it......make just be seepage

welcome to tw

 

Appreciate the reply - ps fluid is just barley below the cold min line.

Was going to take it in to Toyota (they need to do a recall on third brake light) and figured I would have them look at it.

I just don’t want to get scammed and figured this would be the best place to get opinions before my appointment next week.

 

Picture looks quite a bit like what a leaking rack seal looks like.

 

So more than likely a whole rack replacement?

 

they wont say its ok and just seeping .....they will say it needs $2000
you can try some stop leak or add some fluid every 3 months.....
its 8 years old ....seeping is fine

 

I wouldn’t let any dealership near that. If you haven’t touched your brake fluid and it’s at the level you say it is, clean area fill back to full line and observe. If it’s a seep it will be fine. They will try to take a leg and ear from you.

Have a 2006 Subaru forester that has the same issue. Started seeping in 2008. Already out of warranty at 38k and change. Dealer wanted close to 1200 bucks to “fix it”. 2024. Still seeping with 471k miles. I add a very small amount every year, like maybe 1 to 2 ounces.

 

What He ^^^^ said.

 

Leaks sometimes seep for years I would watch it closely and get another opinion for reference. On my Tacoma, when my timing cover had a leak I had it repaired because I had a warranty. I might have decided differently if I did not have a warranty. This is my view that I have had to grow into, an older vehicle has taught me a lesson. I have a 1998 Dodge Durango with 272,000 miles that has leaks/seeps and has had for over 75K miles. Recently I added some of that leak stuff to the oil, transmission, and power steering (real leaks on garage floor). Even though I would not be inclined to do that with my newer Tacoma, this has taught me a lesson that some leaks are not worth fixing. By adding some stop leak gunk there are no real visible leaks left and it is still running. I just pressure wash it off a few times each year. We will drive this well-used and hailed out vehicle until it dies. it still gets fresh oil and changes every 3500 miles.

 

Howdy everyone,

Appreciate the help with all of the opinions/answers regarding the post. Turns out it was the timing gasket seal leaking engine oil. What a fun and unfortunate mishap that was!

 

Damn. Just as bad as stupid bad rack.

FYI tacoma are known to seep and leak from the steering rack. I'd bet MANY people have it and don't even realize it.


What's the wallet damage for that timing cover seal replacement?

 

$2k+

 

Boo