97 V6, steering rack leak?

[jsandek]

All of a sudden (105,000miles) I've got oil drops under left side behind tranny. Frame beneath steering rack bellows is wet. Quick search on this forum it appears this is a commom problem. Too cold, dirty, wet and dark to see where the oil is coming from right now. I'll remove the wheel/tire and have a closer look tomorrow. Would it be dumb to start the car while I have it up on a jack stand to see where the fluid is coming from? Anyone know if this probably an internal rack seal issue? Cost of repairs? Anyone have experience with remanufactured racks?

Thanks in advance!

[Kep]

If you start the car on jacks make sure everything is clear of the spinning wheels and that there is no chance the car will move. The wheels spin a lot faster than you would expect at idle!

If the boot is torn you likely have scratched the rod and nothing will fix it without replacing it. However, there are Dexron III products with additives that are supposed to make the existing brittle seals more supple again which will diminish the leak. It worked acceptably for me for quite a while. Replacing the rack and pinion is pretty expensive for a new one and labor intensive for a used one. If you decide to go used you might check out how difficult it would be to rebuild (the existing or used unit) before you put in another old unit.

Remember, the power steering system in Camrys (I believe all of them) uses Dexron III ATF fluid. Power steering fluid is bad for them...

Kep

[toyomoho]

If the rack is leaking oil will be coming out of the boot.

Not dumb to start the car when jacked up but as Kep states make sure it is well secured on jacks.

[jsandek]

Thanks for the Dexron III tip. Will fluid with additives be OK long term for the rest of the PS system? PS pump and high pressure hose was replaced a couple years back (something like $900 at dealer I recall). The car still runs great and has survived 5 au pairs so far. I was hoping to get another 2-3 years out of it before picking up a lightly used camry/accord for similar duty. If the additives could increase the chance of additonal PS system repairs in the next 20-30,000 miles I'll probably just get the rack replaced soon.

With the car jacked up and the left front wheel off, it was obvious that the top of bellows is dry and bottom is wet. Tie rod/cross member/A-arm wet. The PS reserviour is down to half way. Enigine on and wheels straight no leak but hard right turn some seepage. Based on having just noticed this yesterday, I'm guessing I'm losing 10-20 ml a day. Dealer quoted over phone estimate of approx $1200, half labor, half for remanufactured unit. There is an independent garage near by I'll see what they say but I imagine I'm not going to be able to get away for anything less than $900. The again, a grand or so for another couple years-can't really ask for any more than that.

Thanks agian for the advice. Any comments on general longevity of these cars is appreciated.