large power steering leak - rack and pinion i think - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Mikeyvon · 07-14-2009, 01:19 AM

I have a '97 camry 2.2L. It has been leaking power steering fluid for a few months now. I have finally had a chance to take a look and it seems to be coming from the passenger side rack and pinion boot. I cleaned it up and fired it up and I can see it dripping from the boot. It did not seem to be a hose, but it is tight up there.

I was hoping it was the pump as I know I can replace that. I am a decent wrench, but also inexperienced. I am rebuilding a 6.2L turbo diesel for my first engine rebuild right now (just to give an idea of what I am unafraid to do). I am more worried about my time than anything else. I have a lot on my plate right now.

What is involved in replacing this thing? Number of hours for a weekend wrencher? I see they are around $185 at Napaonline. What would the cost be to have it done at a shop?

Could it be something else leaking? The pump and hoses above looked clean.

thanks,

michael

***ASG14*** · 07-14-2009, 11:44 AM

The entire rack needs to be replaced. It;s fairly cheap to buy a Reman one.....but man, it;s not an easy job. I do almost all my own work and STILL paid my mechanic to change it for me.

***eyeball96*** · 07-14-2009, 12:02 PM

I paid $600 (including the rack) to replace mine, in a 94 V6 SE Camry I use to own....and the mechanic is a friend that cut me a good deal!

Gibson99 · 07-14-2009, 01:00 PM

the hardest part for me was disconnecting the steering shaft from the rack. the lines aren't that hard, and you can usually slide it out one side... but it would be easier if you had a lift and the ability to lower/remove the front subframe/cradle.

power steering racks are notorious for leaking on 92-01 camrys.

Mikeyvon · 07-14-2009, 01:11 PM

Thanks for the replies. Any chance that something like Lucas stop leak (or something similar) would work. This is pretty much a beater car with 200,000+ miles on it. We plan on running it till it dies or we have enough funds to replace it with something newer. Only problem is it is currently or main car.

***eyeball96*** · 07-14-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeyvon

Thanks for the replies. Any chance that something like Lucas stop leak (or something similar) would work. This is pretty much a beater car with 200,000+ miles on it. We plan on running it till it dies or we have enough funds to replace it with something newer. Only problem is it is currently or main car.

I tried the Lucas with mine...didn't help, but my leak was hugh ..certainly wouldn't hurt to try a can and see!

Mikeyvon · 07-14-2009, 06:31 PM

Would this be the correct part? http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...inion+Complete

***ASG14*** · 07-14-2009, 07:25 PM

Yes. thats exactly it.

flyeri · 07-14-2009, 09:27 PM

It is not an easy in that it is all a tight fit. I did it in a garage with a pit that I could get under the car. The basic mechanics are straight forward. I read the DIY, Chilton, and Toyota manual and those were a lot of help. Somewhere in there was a tidbit about getting the steering wheel straight that would have been helpful. Of course the alignment shop took care of that.