Imperative Maintenance!

[bob2]

These cars are reputed to be reliable. That's not exactly what I see...

The power steering reservoir (or tank) is dinky. So small it causes major failures in the power steering system. These cars are known, for that.

The other parts in the power steering system are able to outlast the body, just as they are in most cars. To make that happen, all you need to do is refresh the fluid.

Go to a parts store and buy a tool that is supposed to be used to put distilled water in batteries. It has a large squeeze bulb and a tube. Use it to suck the nasty old fluid from the power steering tank. The first time you do this, put a couple tablespoons of brake fluid in it, then fill it with power steering fluid.

You will begin to clean the system. After driving it for a day (or a week) do it again. Repeat until the fluid comes out clear.

Any idiot can do this. You will save yourself a $900 repair, if you pay somebody to do it, or a $250 part and a weekend of less than leisure, if you do it yourself.

[BMR]

...or take it a step further, and do a complete fluid change out per this procedure.

[bob2]

while your method works it fails to clean the system. doing it slowly and allowing the new fluid to "wash" the system has it's advantages.

but it doesn't really matter. both methods will work. the only thing that will not work is to do nothing .)

[fourwheeler]

Bob2, I question as to how you know the failure of the seals on the rack and pinion is due to failure to regularly change the fluid, as opposed to a design flaw that is the other popular reason these racks need to be changed?

[HATEnFATE]

So if I'm reading you correct, the cause of the P/S rack leak is a small P/S reservoir?

Would you please provide the information to back this theory?

[nitronate33]

bob2 is a troll, keep reading his threads and his posts in threads and you will see the complete nonsense that he spews. it seems like he just makes things up.

where do these people come from? are they mental? delusional? banging on the computer at the funny farm?

[bob2]

again, if you are not smart enough to realize that worn out fluid will lead to power steering system failure, you have my sympathy.

[WetOne]

My wife's rack failed at 50k, and while I agree running fresh fluid is important in all the car's capacities, it does'nt make sense that her's and many others have failed that early on. I use amsoil trans fluid, and ok
now at 135k. So lesson here is constantly lube, inspect, and take care of your wife's rack

[fourwheeler]

Again Bob, I'm certain you are confident of your OPINION, but I still question as to why and how your theory is correct when it directly conflicts with a design flaw which the aftermarket parts manufacturers have addressed and corrected. After changing out the rack and pinion, changing fluid, and keeping the original power steering reservoir many of these racks now last for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Granted I do not have data to back this up, but common sense indicates the problem is the seals and not the dinky power steering reservoir and changing the power steering fluid.

However, I agree with you that changing the power steering fluid is a very good thing to do on a regular basis. I just don't believe it is the sole reason for why these rack and pinions have failed on virtually all Avalons, most at a premature age.

[bob2]

it might be psychology - the psychology of greed, that has ruined this nation. if they told you it was the tiny tank you would change the fluid and they would make a lot less money...

it's funny how i have an avalon, and the rack is one of the few parts i have not changed. my fluid was so nasty it had curdled. i changed it the first day i had the car! the poor thing had so much crud in it that it would not come back straight, when you let go of the wheel. weeks of driving were required before it came back right, but it did...

why is it, then, that my rack does not leak? mine was as bad as any and on the very verge, of failure.

the only real difference in these cars and others is the dinky tank...

you are, of course, free to think as you will. i don't need to be right and making you wrong has no value, to me. i've been good enough to share what has worked, for me, and the reasons i believe caused the problems. if hate n fate jumps me about one more time, that will end. i have enough bull**** in my life. i don't need any more.

[eyeball96]

Chill Bob

It's just the internet!

[pmesfun]

I changed the inner and outer tie rods last week and there was no fluid in the boots, seems like the rack has alot of life left.

[HATEnFATE]

Originally Posted by bob2

if hate n fate jumps me about one more time, that will end. i have enough bull**** in my life. i don't need any more.

I simply asked for the facts to back up your theory. I didn't jump all over you.

[NRecob]

Originally Posted by WetOne

My wife's rack failed at 50k, and while I agree running fresh fluid is important in all the car's capacities, it does'nt make sense that her's and many others have failed that early on. I use amsoil trans fluid, and ok
now at 135k. So lesson here is constantly lube, inspect, and take care of your wife's rack