Leaking rack & pinion

[golfgod]

I have developed the infamous rack and pinion seal leak. My boots look to be in good shape and I can't really tell where its coming from for sure. Car has 140,000 miles.

I sucked out the remainder of fluid in the reservoir and used a 12 oz bottle of Lucas power steering stop leak. Its been a few days with temps in teens and the leak has appeared to have slowed and maybe stopped? Has anyone used this with success or has my leak slowed because of the cold temp. I never noticed the leak until it got cold?

If the leak returns, does it really hurt to live with the leak or should I replace or repair before its to late? Earlier posts indicate poor success with repairs and not so good of luck with aftermarket rebuild for replacement.

Any wisdom, greatly appreciated.

[BMR]

I doubt the Lucas stuff will work, mostly because I'm very skeptical of all those "mechanic-in-a-can" products.

Will it do any harm to let it leak? Not really. Other than making a mess under the hood. And keep a close eye on the PS fluid reservoir level. If the PS fluid gets on some of the suspension's elastomeric bushings, it could degrade (soften) them over a long period of time.

The leak will likely get worse and worse to the point it takes a quart a week to keep it full.

[vesnyder]

Same problem ('96 Avalon with 135k miles) and am in th eprocess of using the Lucas that is "guaranteed" to fix it! It seems to have slowed and I will let you know if it stops it. Just hoping to get through the Winter. Anybody have any details on replacing? Considering doing it myself?

Any truth to the rumor that this is one of the few American made parts on teh Avalon?

[toyomoho]

For replacement do a TN search of the Camry forums, the Avalon being an upscale Camry.

[golfgod]

Day 15 and about 500 miles with Lucas working its magic. I don't want to jinx myself, but no leak so far. I'll try to keep posting on its effectiveness.

[bristol24]

I used the lucas about 3 years ago and no leaks since. the only issue is that the lucus is very thick and when the temp outside is below 10 degrees, it takes a little time before the steering doesnt feel hard.

[vesnyder]

That is encouraging - outside of the hard steering, particularly when my teenager drives this car!

[mmejia]

I ended up replacing mine after being annoyed with it. Hard steering might actually be your steering pump; not the rack and pinion.

[mrblasty]

I used the the Lucas stuff and it worked for about 6 months, now its replacement time.

[bristol24]

i only have the hard steering for about the first 2 minutes of driving when it is below 0 outside, otherwise it is fine.

[golfgod]

Ok, two and a half months running with Lucas and a few observations. After a month of temps below 30 it warmed into the 50's and then back into the teens and a small leak came back. About 1/2" down from normal. I filled it back up with more Lucas and it has been good since, even with several warm ups followed by temps in the teens. I have noticed that my pump howls for about 5 to 10 seconds on startup if temp is in teens. The colder it is, the longer it howls. I have yet to experience the "hard" steering others have spoke of.

[Teebo]

I agree, Lucas is the way to go. I've used it in my solora, and escalade for the past 4 years.

[sunnysunset]

I had to trpleace my R / P assembly when my 98 Avalon had 85000 miles....

[artbuc]

Originally Posted by sunnysunset

I had to trpleace my R / P assembly when my 98 Avalon had 85000 miles....

Wow! Do you know what caused this premature failure?

[sunnysunset]

poor quality of toyota cars...
I had the following problems with my Avalon, power seat moter under driver seat makes noise since I bought it, took to dealer 3 times they say there is nothing wrong, @ 65000, starter, @ 85000 Rack and pinion ass, driverside elec lock at 88000, a/c @ 103000, my cox assemble, cable ass in the steering column @ 104000, the das light bulf fuse at about 70000...Toyotas are junk cars..