I park in the same place every day and have two big spots on the driveway. Both spots are up front one on left side and one on right side. I haven't had the car up in the air and the weather has been lousy so I think I will take it to the shop. I have a friend that owns the dealership so I have a little more faith than I normally would. My car has 144,000 miles and was purchased new by my now deceased father. My reservoir was low to the point my power steering was squalling, filled it full and everything is working normal. I have kept an eye on it and I have only had to add small amounts. Anyone have a similar experience ? Thanks !

 

Check the boots on the ends of the steering rack housing. This is where the tie rod that attaches to the rack exits the housing.

The housing seals can leak resulting in fluid build up inside the boot and eventual leakage.

 

Dealer looked at my car today and said steering rack needs replaced. I was told the leak is coming from the inside the rack and then leaking out of both boots. Cost to repair was $1100.00 using a new aftermarket steering rack. I decided to do some research first so I paid the $50.00 diagnostic fee and took the car. Any thoughts ? Thanks.

 

There is a lot of labor to remove the rack. It can't be repaired on the car.

The price appears in the range. However the dealer is typically the most expensive due to higher labor rates and parts. Suggest getting quotes from third party smaller independent shops having lower labor rates.

A rebuilt rack is around 200 retail.

There are additives that are claimed to swell seals and slow or stop power steering leaks. These might do something short term, but long term there will still be a problem.

Unless the power steering pump runs out of fluid, can still drive the car without damage.

The car will still steer even with the power steering belt removed. However will no longer have power steering.

 

I took my car to the local Dodge/ Jeep dealer because our only Toyota dealer has a reputation for price gouging. I was told the steering rack is leaking along with the power steering pump. I'm trying to get a break down on the repair quote I was given. They tell me the OEM rack & pinion is $358.72 plus tax, labor is $380.00 which includes alignment. I'm waiting for a price on the pump and labor, I'll see if we are still at the $1100.00 I was quoted. I would really like to save this old car as I really like it plus my now deceased father bought it new. Never had a problem until about 2 years ago when I couldn't keep it running. Local Toyota dealer was doing trial and error at my expense so I ended up spending more than I should before it was fixed. The problem turned out to be a bad coil. Just now getting ready to replace the original front brake pads at 143,000 miles.

 

I forgot to mention our Toyota dealer charges $115.00 per hour for labor where as our Dodge/Jeep dealer charges $80.00 per hour.

 

The Toyo dealer quote for the rack only, not rack and pump?