Power Steering leaking

Well as the title says i have what i believe to be power steering fluid leaking. When i changed my oil last time i noticed my power steering pump looked oily, so i wiped it down well. I changed my oil this evening, and sure enough covered in oil again.The level doesnt appear to be dropping unless it was over filled. It could possibly be motor oil coming from the valve covers or something and running down on to the pump. I didnt see anything to indicate that tho. Anyone else had this issue? Ive really have a pretty problem free 3rd gen this is disappointing. I am sure toyota will make it right tho i have an appointment for next weekend to have it checked out.

 

wipe it with a white rag and if it is red then PS fluid. if is not red then maybe coming from somewhere else. i would get in there with a flashlight and check all over starting at the PS pump and follow the trail. the more info you take to the dealer the better.

 

2nd gens had a problem with the timing chain cover leaking right above the power steering pump. Might check that, but probably not the same seeing the 3rd gens have different engines.

 

If the level is where it was supposed to be in the P/S Pump reservoir, then your leak is coming from somewhere else. The fan can and will spread any fluid system leaks occurring in the front of your truck. Tranny lines if you have an auto?

 

First off i appreciate all the responses. Looking at the power steering reservoir it looks like the fluid actually has a blue tint to it not red. Only reason im leaning towards thinking its the power steering fluid pump is that i see nothing leaking above it. The bottom of it and below it has a oily residue, and or drops forming.

 

Keep us updated, curious to know what they find leaking.

 

Well, I went to my appointment this morning, and waited a little over an hour. They came and told me that its not power steering fluid leaking its engine oil. They said that its such a small leak that they couldnt diagnose it so they put dye in my oil and want me to bring it back in 400-500 miles. They will then diagnose where the leak is..... I was really hoping yhey wouldn't have to crack in to the engine.

 

A few other members had oil leaks from a cam position sensor on their new 3rd gens. Could be that your number is up.

 

I just got back from my 25k service. My SA pulled me over when doing the paper work and explained that they discovered an engine oil leak. He also said they ordered all of the gaskets for the front of the engine. He also made me an appointment for next Tuesday and said it was a 16 hour job.

When I got home just a few minutes ago, I checked it out. Sure enough the left front was leaking and was wet.

So......
Brakes
Howling Diff
Trans issues
Headunit
Leaking main engine seals


I'm starting to look.

 

Also, my leak is near/around the power steering pump.

I asked if they had seen this before and they said no. However, they turned it pretty quick had the parts ordered and the warranty work approved through corporate. So I'm a little skeptical.

I would recommend v6 owners get a flash light and thoroughly inspect around the power steering pump area.

 

MF'er... headed out to my driveway to inspect now.

EDIT: Looked around didn't see anything suspicious. Truck is going into the shop for 7 to 10 days in Mid-March for Instrument/Gauge Cluster replacement (ticking speedo needle and uninitiated trip meters reset), rear end CLUNK and squealing brake pads. Leaf springs creaking again too.

 

The first thing I noticed was the housing on the power steering pump was coated with dirt clinging to the oil, so it was black. As I suspected lower the oil was wet. Nothing dripping on the driveway, but it would likely just accumulate on the skid plates and get covered with dirt.

 

I have to drop the skid plate to get a better view from the bottom end but from the top it looked to be OK. That sucks man I am sorry to hear they will have to rip into your truck under the hood.

 

My brakes were fixed by turning the rotors nd drums.
I have all the problems you do so I can sympathize.

The funny thing was that we took the wife's 2103 T4R limited to pick it up and I always comment on how much better it is. So she says "buy me something and you can have it"

When I got home I told her to start looking.

 

Sell it to Smitty.

 

I'm selling for sure. I bet the buyer shows up here with issues and you guys tell him it's normal.

 

Almost sig worthy-drop that truth on them and take no prisoners!

 

In the shop for the next two days getting reworked. I'll see if I can snap a pic of they'll let me back there.

 

To me it defies all logic that Toyota thought they could run across the border to exploit $16 a day Mexican "Auto Workers" and still maintain the quality and reliability that Toyota was known for in the past.

The real kicker is while moving manufacturing across the border dramatically cutting cost they raised the prices of the trucks and lowered the quality.Huge windfall for Toyota profits .

 

OK I'll bite... I don't 100% disagree but realize Texas built Tacomas are having a lot, if not all, of the same issues.