Power Steering Fluid Leak

Ehh, jury is still out. We still haven't heard why OP refuses to look under the truck for a leak. My money is on granny has back pain.

 

No I'm not a granny, I'm a 31 year old dude and can easily crawl under the truck and take a look to see if something is dripping on components from underneath the vehicle, but shouldn't they have done this already when I took it in the first time? The dealer claimed they checked all possible culprits of a potential leak but maybe when I take it in I will ask them to remove the skid plate and be more thorough since now they have proof that the reservoir was filled and now low again since the are the ones who filled it.

 

you just answered your own question

 

Sounds like you have an issue. It also sounds like the dealer is addressing it. They needed to verify so filled it up an had you watch it. It's not an emergency. It's under warranty. Take it in calmly like a big boy and say "See, it's back down. While you guys fix this, I need a loaner."

Coming on in a panic threatening you'll "quit them" and fussing about Toyota QC is a bit Hipster-Gen.

 

I actually prefer working on my own vehicles as long as its nothing crazy. If you ever talk to some of the techs at dealerships, they are not usually the brightest people in the world. Just because they work there doesnt mean they can magically find a problem that may or may not exist. At this point it could be any number of things, but until you find a leak somewhere, it may still be air purging out of the system. On a new vehicle it should be easy to find a leak if you start poking around. Power steering is not necessarily a safety issue. I had a 1995 Honda Prelude and the power steering leaked horribly once I hit around 260k. Never bothered to fix it. I added fluid when I remembered but most the time just drove without it. Yea its hard to turn when stopped but moving you dont even notice it

 

How much air could possibly be purging in a power steering system? The reservoir has been filled 3x now at this point (soon to be 4, I'm at the dealer now). I'm not exactly sure the capacity of fluid the power steering holds. If they fill it for a 4th time that would be a decent amount of fluid, maybe enough to displace any amount of air that has entered the system, or at least you think by that time the system would stabilize.

 

Its hard to say. The reservoir really is not all that big. But considering it is being filled for a 4th time, if it is leaking you WILL see it if you look around. Just take a flashlight and trace the system, do some poking around. Take 5-10 minutes and assure it is not an issue they are missing

 

I have done that several times with the exception of going underneath the truck and pulling off the skid plate and checking there. It seem like it could maybe be a slow leak if it ends up actually being a leak.

 

If it is leaking enough in a day for refill, its not a slow leak. Either way even a few drips of fluid will be noticeable on a new vehicle. It shouldnt really have any marks from to make it tough to distinguish a fresh fluid spill. Cardboard trick works, but I always prefer to crawl around under with a flashlight

 

Well it took about 48 hours from a topped off reservoir to nearly empty if that means anything or not.

 

No.
I am very, very, very critical of just about any auto shop. I am especially critical of dealers. I have a regular mechanic and my uncle who's a mechanic and I trust no one else with my truck. You always double check everyone's work.
I feel like we live in a society today that is out for themselves and for the $$$. If they can get away with not fixing something to save a buck and a few minutes of their time, they'll do it. I feel quality service and work is slowly going out the window, and sadly with my generation.

You need to get down in that truck and check for yourself. Put paper or light cardboard up under it for a night. See if anything comes up.

Are you having any power steering symptoms or is everything fine?

 

I definitely dont trust dealers. Case in point: I have a 2008 Honda Civic Si, has an HID kit that has been on it since 2009, never had any issues. Took my car in for a recall for the paint flaking on the roof/rear window pillars. After multiple trips to have it painted (because they either didnt match the color right or there were drips/runs), it still wasnt right. Almost got it close to perfect. But that isnt where the real issue was. Picked my car up and all of the sudden my ABS light is on and the car was acting funny. Could it be the paint and sanding dust that was everywhere? (Including inside my car on the headliner). Oh no it couldnt be that, must be that 5 year old HID kit that is causing electromagnetic interference with the ABS sensor in the wheel. After fighting with them for a few weeks they finally agreed to fix it, but wouldnt give me a rental. Moral of the story: Most techs at dealerships dont know shit and are out to make $$$

 

exactly why everyone is saying get under the damn truck... If its such a motivating problem to keep posting about how frustrating it is then bend your ass over and look...

 

Hey!... I know. Paying 30k+ for something that is broken sure will get your blood pumping. Just gotta remember to keep a level head. Toyota will make it right.

 

I think OP has a point, he just spent $40k on the truck.(month old vehicle) Why he would be troubleshooting power steering leak?
They lucky he still talking to them, and not sending lawyers. 3 times a problem and lemon law kicks in.
They lucky because crazy guy would load couple 50 gallons full of gasoline on the back of truck, set crawl control to rabbit mode and point truck through front window of the dealership, yelling "Crawl this bitch"

 

seriously though. you have the responsibility to get educated on the problem, which is why you are here and that's awesome but you have to be willing to invest a little yourself. everyone has suggested putting cardboard under the truck, or getting down and looking. you seem to not be interested in educating yourself which leaves the ball in Toyotas court to be honest with you...

 

Not saying it isn't frustrating it is, we all have investments which is why we are all on the same forum. its not like anyone suggested tearing down an engine either.

 

Edit: Sorry I misread that on the first read.