Power Steering leak 96 Camry LE

[tillie04]

Once a week I add about 4 ounces of transmission fluid to the power steering reservoir. There's always fresh evidence of power steering fluid on the ground where the vehicle's parked. The hoses coming from the reservoir have never been replaced as far as I know, and they are always wet looking. Are the hoses the likely culprit that need replaced?
Can anyone point me in the right direction for doing the hose replacement myself? I've never tackled a job like this but am up for the task.

[MR2Jedi]

Hey David,
I moved your thread from the intro section to the Camry section where it will get a better response. These guys really know the Camry and can help you.
Good Luck and Welcome to TN

[ASG14]

It;s usually the Steering rack itself that leaks on our cars (I have a '96 also). I had mine replaced last year around 120k miles. Have a mechanic check it out for you.

[tillie04]

Thanks for the quick reply. So it's more likely to be the steering rack that's leaking. How much did it cost you to have your's repaired/replaced?
Is it a pretty involved job for the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer?

[ASG14]

Not sure you want to know.......I think it was like $400, but depending where you get the rack from, and who installs it, makes a big difference. then you NEED an alignment after. It hink it;s about 3-4 hours labor, and the cost of a Remanufactured rack.

$184 at Autozone:
http://www.autozone.com/R,2211316/ve...ductDetail.htm

As for DIY, I do almost all my own work, and even write DIY's on this forum, and I still had my mechanic install it. You really need a lift, or else it's just awful.

Take a look under the car and see where the fluid is leaking from (After the snow melts thats abotu to hit us). Turn the wheel all the way to one side, and see if you can trace the leak. Wait till there is snow on the ground, so you can park it, and see EXACTLY where it is dripping from, to make the leak easier to trace.