power steering pump leak - 1998 Camry

[twocamrys]

When I went for an oil change a few months ago, my mechanic said that my car was a little low on power steering fluid. I was told that my power steering pump and rack would need to be replaced. During the past two months, the level of power steering fluid in my reservoir hasn't changed much and I am not hearing any strange noises when turning or driving. I noticed a small amount of power steering fluid on the floor of the garage though so I think the mechanic is right about the leak.

Are slow power steering leaks common on 4th generation Camrys? If my power steering pump and rack do need to be replaced, will I damage anything else in the car if I just let this leak go until it gets worse or starts making noises when turning? Would it help to add some Stop Leak or should this only be used with larger power steering leaks? I plan on getting a newer car in a few months so I'd really don't want to spend over $1,000 to fix it right now.

[TierOneSupplier]

We have a '98 Sienna so may have the same 1MZ-FE engine as you (if yours is the 6 cylinder). I've never experienced a slow leak from the power steering, but I did find a big puddle one morning and ended up having the rack replaced. There was no warning - no noises or slow leaks beforehand - just a huge puddle one morning. Looking back, I wish I'd been as interested in doing my own maintenance back then as I am now, because I may have spent a lot of money unnecessarily. Having said that, if you're planning to trade the car in a few months, I don't think I would do anything other than keep an eye on the fluid and keep it topped off. I'm not a fan of stop leak so wouldn't put anything in besides Dex III or whatever your manual calls for.

[JohnGD]

As said, if it's a slow leak then you can keep an eye on it and refill regularly with Dexron III type ATF. Walmart's dino SuperTech is a good value.

Otherwise, try Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak: http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...tid=9&loc=show

When you get that new car, try to siphon out the reservoir and refill with new fluid at least every other oil change. This will help the seals last by removing the abrasive wear particles from the system.

Originally Posted by twocamrys

When I went for an oil change a few months ago, my mechanic said that my car was a little low on power steering fluid. I was told that my power steering pump and rack would need to be replaced. During the past two months, the level of power steering fluid in my reservoir hasn't changed much and I am not hearing any strange noises when turning or driving. I noticed a small amount of power steering fluid on the floor of the garage though so I think the mechanic is right about the leak.

Are slow power steering leaks common on 4th generation Camrys? If my power steering pump and rack do need to be replaced, will I damage anything else in the car if I just let this leak go until it gets worse or starts making noises when turning? Would it help to add some Stop Leak or should this only be used with larger power steering leaks? I plan on getting a newer car in a few months so I'd really don't want to spend over $1,000 to fix it right now.

[dave1811]

My 99 Camry PS reservoir was leaking. I ended up getting a used one from a wrecking yard for around $20-$25 or so, I can't remember. I was going to try that before buying one from Toyota for $150. It is working so far, will see how it lasts.

[mazdaverx7]

my suggestion is not to add any stop leak or atf with stabilizer or stop leak. you need to find the source of the leak and fix it. get under the car and inspect teh rack boots, the pump itself, and most importantly the lines. you will have soft rubber lines as well as a hard metal line and a power steering cooling loop. the metal lines are common leak points due to being able to be corroded and rusting. i've replaced the hard line going to my cooler on my 92 Camry and i had a 93 Camry that i had to replce the entire cooler assembly.