Power Steering leak

I have a 2016 TRD Offroad Taco that I purchased new in Feb 2016. It has 25,905 (not a typo) miles on it. Had the oil changed at the dealership in January and the tech said the PS pump is leaking. Checked the fluid level yesterday and it was low. Drove it to the dealership and had them do a quick visual, and top off. Service advisory scheduled a diagnostic appointment for Monday the 15th.

SA estimated the replacement cost at $700, which is in addition to the $100 they want to find the leak.

Crazy that with such low miles I am having issues.

Fingers crossed until Monday.

 

Warranty?

 

I didn't purchase the extended, and the PS pump isn't covered under the power train warranty

 

Well past the 3 year mark
Warranty is 3 years or 25k miles whichever come first.
The power train and emissions are 60k
And the frame is 10/11 years from purchase date.

 

ouch, just past. Sometimes the extended warranty pulls through

 

It may be a timing cover leak instead as the oil collects on the power steering pump.

 

Op said the ps pump fluid level Is low

 

But why is power steering fluid low??

@es5150 are the rack and pinion boots wet looking?

 

My bad, l missed the part about the low fluid the first time l read it.

 

I haven't check the boots, but the SA and I looked under the hood yesterday, we could see the oil splash on the PS pump and the low fluid. I am hoping its the timing cover because I am within days of the 60 months ownership

 

Pulled my online service history and here is the note the Tech recorded:


RED-FLUID LEAK

RED-FLUID LEAK~|~WHILE PERFORMING YOUR VEHICLE INSPECTION, WE FOUND A CONDITION RELATING TO ENGINE OIL/FLUID LEAK(S) THAT REQUIRES ATTENTION.~|~ ~|~SEE YOUR ADVISOR AND/OR MULTI POINT INSPECTION FOR DETAILS.

 

Red usually equals transmission fluid.

 

SA overfilled the reservoir. When I looked at it yesterday, I thought it was below the Cold MIN line.

 

That's a serious leak by the looks of it. Keep us posted.

 

That's a lot of built up oil on the hoses and lca, too much to be power steering, I think.

 

Thanks everyone for your knowledge and patience with me as a new poster to the forums.


To be safe, I think I will take a turkey baster and take some of the fluid out of the reservoir .

 

I agree. That gunk would equate to the whole power steering circuit fluid!

 

My bet? Timing chain cover.

 

Just do it when its cold. That way you know exactly how much is in there today and then you can continue to monitor in the coming days / weeks. There certainly is a lot of build up in those pics

 

You could try a bit of trouble shooting/diagnosis on your own.

Clean the area. Let it dry. Dust the area with corn starch, flour, talcum powder...... Start the truck, cycle the steering from lock to lock several times. Shut off engine, check the dust. The leak will leave obvious tracks. Most time the tracks will lead to the leak source. Be aware of the fluid color, the powder should show the color. If red, then its ATF in the PS system. If black, then its likely engine oil.

No tracks after cycling the PS, then go for a drive, check again.

This is simple test, but it can really help narrow the problem.