Steering rack issue on 09 Tacoma

I'm new here, so forgive me if I am in the wrong forum, thread, or whatever you call it. I have a 09 Tacoma and one of the fluid lines on the steering rack has rotted out and is leaking. I was wondering if it is possible to just replace the line, or should I get a new rack ? I looked for the line on Rock Auto, and it appears they don't sell them separate from the rack. If it's not possible to buy just the line, does anyone know what size the threads on the fittings would be on each end of the line ? I am assuming they are metric, and not something I can buy at the auto parts store, but I was thinking maybe I could make my own line. Can't be much different than making brake lines.

 

You should be able to make your own line if you can bend it without pinching the line. No idea what the size or threads of the fitting are but you should be able to match them up, or cut the old line and drill out the rusted line from the nut and reuse them.

 

I never thought of drilling out the old line from the fittings and trying to reuse them. Thanks for the idea. I'm ordering a new rack from Rock Auto, won't be here till next week and I won't have a chance to put it on till next weekend. I will see if I can save the fittings and make a new line before I install the new rack, but don't dare to try it till I have the new rack in case the line rebuild doesn't work. Do you know if it will ruin the power steering pump by running it with no fluid in it. The leak is so bad now that I need to add fluid when I leave for work in the morning, then again when I leave work to come home, not to mention the puddles I leave everywhere I go. Thinking of just saying screw it and running it dry with the howling noise when turning till next weekend.

 

Definitely don't run it dry it will burn out the pump. That is a good idea to have a rack ready encase. I am guessing the line has a small pin hole rust spot causing the leak? If so you might be able to try and use a rubber line cut it down length wise, sleeve it over the steel line and use a worm gear hose clamp right over the leaking spot to try and hold it together for a week.