Power Steering Cooler Leak

[auggafj80]

Appears my power steering is leaking at one of the cooler lines. When running there are air bubbles and dripping at the juncture of the upper tube and rusty metal. (Beware: the following photo may be unsettling to some with rust phobia). Thinking of replacing the whole cooler and power steering pump if it ran w/o fluid for a while? 08LC just passed 250k miles. Or maybe just patch it temporarily to get by for a bit. Need truck for trip late next week.

anyone else encounter this issue? Any advice? I'm going to have my mechanic look at it this week see what he says.

 

[auggafj80]

Update. Replacing the p/s cooler with an aftermarket one for now, mainly due to cost and speed of getting my truck back. Only $40 for aftermarket while an oem is $440! Figure it’s only $40 and if it lasts a while I’m fine with it.

 

[PDoyle]

Wow, for 250 k miles (in the state of Maine) that undercarriage looks great!
Was the p/s fluid ever changed before the leak? How are your AHC lines holding up?

 

[auggafj80]

I “changed” the fluid by sucking out what was in the reservoir and adding fresh (several times). Probably around 200k. The leak was due to corrosion on the cooler tubes.
It’s a land cruiser so does not have AHC, has KDSS. Which is another rusty spot I need to attend to. Overall I’ve been paying attention to the rust areas but it’s not as bad as my FJ80 was at 160k miles.

 

[PDoyle]

I had a locked 80 for 12 years. There is too much junk on the market that says it will stop rust. I'm not a believer. Sand paper and paint only IMO.

 

[Omsok]

Update. Replacing the p/s cooler with an aftermarket one for now, mainly due to cost and speed of getting my truck back. Only $40 for aftermarket while an oem is $440! Figure it’s only $40 and if it lasts a while I’m fine with it.

What cooler did you go with? Dorman clone or in front of the radiator? Was cooling area and capability better, or similar?

 

[auggafj80]

What cooler did you go with? Dorman clone or in front of the radiator? Was cooling area and capability better, or similar?

I went with one in front of radiator, see pic. I’d say cooling area is a little less. Haven’t had any issues.