power steering leak - pump or rack?

[camryowner25]

My 1998 Camry is leaking power steering fluid. An independent mechanic says the pump needs to be replaced and my local Toyota dealership says both the rack and pump need to be replaced. I do not know who to believe and do not want to pay another mechanic a diagnostic fee.

How can you tell if the leak is coming from the rack or the pump (or both)? I put some cardboard under my car and the leak appears to be coming from the passenger side. The car steers normally and I have never heard any noises when steering. This leak has been going on for over a year now and is now getting worse. I now have to add fluid to the reservoir once a week. Since I'm not experiencing any noises or issues with steering, which is the most likely source of my leak?

I thought about adding some Lucas Stop Leak to the reservoir but was afraid that it could possibly make things worse. Since I'm not experiencing any noises or problems steering, I don't want to do anything to mess that up. Is there any risk to trying the Stop Leak product?

[ghettosled]

aside from saying the leak is by the passenger side, can you narrow this down further? is it leaking from a pressure line? from the pump itself? from a boot on the rack? possibly a leak in the reservoir or the supply/return lines from to the pump.

degrease the area and see where the leak is to know for sure. it could be just a line since there isnt any noise or loss of power steering.

[camryowner25]

My mechanic degreased the area a year ago and said it was leaking from the pump itself. 9 months later, the Toyota stealership said that it was leaking from the rack when I took it in for an oil change. My mechanic told me that I could damage my rack if I let the reservoir run dry but that has not happened. I do not know if the Toyota guy is correct in his assessment or if he just guessed that it was the rack since it is a common problem with 4th generation Camrys. If the rack needed to be replaced, would I be experiencing any symptoms other than this annoying leak? Is there any risk to trying the Lucas Stop Leak?

[peshwa]

Lucas PS stop leak is good only if its a minor leak. I have used lucas PS stop leak recently on my camry and it has significantly slowed down the leak.
But I would still say narrow down the leak's origin yourself rather than relying on somebody's assessment. At least you'll have peace of mind.