Power steering pump failure after alignment at Dealership (1 Viewer)

[LCHMOOM]

Hello everyone,

This morning, I took my car to a Toyota service center for a four-wheel alignment. Afterward, I was informed that my power steering fluid was completely gone.

I requested a video recording, and it was clear that there were no leaks before the car was lifted onto the rack. They performed three test drives, and after one of the technicians did something near my tire (it’s unclear what), there was a noticeable large puddle of fluid on the ground. After the third test drive, all the fluid had drained out in a very short period. Toyota refused to provide any compensation or repair, insisting that the leak came from the pump and claiming they never even opened the hood. They said it was just a coincidence and that with my car having 235,000 km, such things can happen at any time.

They are trying to charge me CAD 800 for the part and said it will take a week to get it. I plan to escalate the issue to a higher manager tomorrow.

I would like to point out that a week ago, I performed a power steering flush using Mobil full synthetic ATF and 100ml AT-205, and there were no issues throughout the week.

What do you think? My pump showed no signs of leaking or any unusual noise before this.

Thanks

 

[Camotubebender]

If it wasn't leaking before why did you put AT-205 in it? Sounds like you were having problems before you took it to the dealer and now you're trying to get them to pay for it.

 

[bigredmachine]

doing a 4wa will not cause a ps leak from the pump. i would think that its more likely that the power steering cooler rusted through and it really is a coincidence. if your not happy with the dealerships answer or diag you can always get a second opinion from another shop

 

[LCHMOOM]

If it wasn't leaking before why did you put AT-205 in it? Sounds like you were having problems before you took it to the dealer and now you're trying to get them to pay for it.M

If it wasn't leaking before why did you put AT-205 in it? Sounds like you were having problems before you took it to the dealer and now you're trying to get them to pay for it.

2 months ago, my boots got wet, so I used it (AT-205) successfully. I didn’t have time to do the flush until last week when I used up the remaining half bottle, thinking it would be beneficial for the system. Do you think this could be related? My pump had no leaks at all.

This time all the fluid is running out from the pump as they showed me

 

[Bisho]

I highly doubt the pump would fail in a way that would cause all of the fluid to drain out so quickly. Much more plausible a hose ruptured or popped off the reservoir (you were just working on it), and once it ran dry it killed the pump.

 

[Bisho]

AT-205 should only be added at a ratio of 1.3oz per qt, so only 1.3oz and the rest Dextron III. Its plausible you killed the pump with too much AT-205, but I can't say for certain.

 

[LCHMOOM]

I highly doubt the pump would fail in a way that would cause all of the fluid to drain out so quickly. Much more plausible a hose ruptured or popped off the reservoir (you were just working on it), and once it ran dry it killed the pump.

I checked the engine bay and took the first two pictures. Do you think this pipe is popped? The guy says there's nothing wrong with this pipe.

The third picture shows them trying to show me the fluid was from the pump

 

[jLB]

For us simple folks, with a solid rear axle, and the non-adjustable OE rear control arms, what exactly are they aligning on the rear two wheels?

It’s rather unlikely that the PS leak is related to the alignment.

 

[LCHMOOM]

For us simple folks, with a solid rear axle, and the non-adjustable OE rear control arms, what exactly are they aligning on the rear two wheels?

It’s rather unlikely that the PS leak is related to the alignment.

I just took it back and decide to replace it myself, No idea why the parts is almost double the price than US, I’ll order from US no with no doubt

 

[jLB]

I just took it back and decide to replace it myself, No idea why the parts is almost double the price than US, I’ll order from US no with no doubt

You may want to check partsouq too.

 

[LCHMOOM]

It's very strange that when I was at the dealership, the fluid was leaking extremely fast, with the reservoir emptying within 10 minutes. I tried twice, and it leaked completely just from starting the car and letting it sit there. However, when I brought the car home and parked it in my garage, the leaking almost stopped.
Does anyone know why this is happening? (During this time, I did not add any stop-leak products)

I still replaced the OEM pump myself though, just curious