Rack and Pinion Leak - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

badcompany87 · 10-02-2009, 03:50 PM

So I was getting an oil change the other day and my mechanic brought me under my car to show me a leak...He showed me the rack and pinion and it looked like there was some gunk build up and he recommended getting it fixed ASAP. I never thought my car had a leak because there are never any spots on the drive way. So I've looked into it...it could be the whole rack and pinion...or just the boots and some bad seals. Im hoping its just the boots and seals so it will be an easy fix. I'm gonna look under her today...can anyone tell me how I can determine if it's just a boot/seal or if the whole rack and pinions bad? I heard a whole new rack and pinion is pretty pricey...anyone know what a dealer would charge to replace one? Any help would be greatful...thanks.

Greasewrench · 10-06-2009, 02:15 PM

the steering rack assembly has seals on each end of ther rack and i believe a seal where the U joint connects to the steering rack input shaft. if any one of the seals are leaking its likely the others are not too far off. U prolly will have to get the whole rack replaced. at advance auto its about $220. the dealership will charge u about 2-3 times that price and about 2-4 hours labor. if u go to tire plus or sears it will be significantly cheaper than the dealer but whatever shop u go to dont be surprised if it cost upwards of $600. this repair is really time consuming

kevmac · 10-06-2009, 10:23 PM

gunk build up meaning? red fluid? Did you check the hoses. My pressure hose leaked and made a big mess of things. It was not obvious, only a guess, but I guessed right. Check the hoses, and if changing the rack, CHANGE THE PRESSURE HOSE TOO.

badcompany87 · 10-09-2009, 04:35 PM

Thanks guys, Ima take a look under today, I planned to earlier but got overwhelmed with school so tonight after work ill give it a go. I'm praying to God it's just a hose...I had put money aside for an exhaust and if I have to replace the rack and pinion then there goes my exhaust. I'll check the pressure hose Kevmac and hopefully it's that. Thanks again.

badcompany87 · 10-10-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevmac

gunk build up meaning? red fluid? Did you check the hoses. My pressure hose leaked and made a big mess of things. It was not obvious, only a guess, but I guessed right. Check the hoses, and if changing the rack, CHANGE THE PRESSURE HOSE TOO.

Hey Kevmac, you were right, I checked the back of the pump and the pressure hose was covered in PS. Did you change yours yourself? It's kind of hard to get to, I was wondering if you could tell me how to replace it. Any help would be useful. Thanks-96