Steering Rack Leak? (1 Viewer)

[YetiCruiser14]

So i checked the trans fluid dipstick both engine off and engine warmed up and parked and running. Its wet in the cold and hot range.

Meanwhile, this is the color of the leak that I have found on the floor just now. Looks like a colorless steering fluid that i am using (prestone) so i guess my leak is caused by a bad hose connecting to the steering rack or the steering rack itself.

 

[Tanner H]

Dusting off this thread because I just produced a leak in this same exact spot this morning before work. Steady drip. Leaking in the same photo below.


2000, 243k miles

I believe I have confirmed the leak is coming from where the steering shaft goes into the rack assembly. Wondering if anyone has just replaced whatever gasket or o-ring in that spot and if you have a part number. I've come across the complete seal kit but cant seem to dig up the individual seals in that spot.



A short list of items i've replaced over the last month that may have caused this leak or maybe purely coincidental.
- valvoline maxlife synth atf in the reservoir (did a few left and rights with the res cap off to burp)
-new factory 555 outer tie rod ends
-new white line steering rack bushings.

 

[Mike NXP]

Dusting off this thread because I just produced a leak in this same exact spot this morning before work. Steady drip. Leaking in the same photo below.


2000, 243k miles

I believe I have confirmed the leak is coming from where the steering shaft goes into the rack assembly. Wondering if anyone has just replaced whatever gasket or o-ring in that spot and if you have a part number. I've come across the complete seal kit but cant seem to dig up the individual seals in that spot.



A short list of items i've replaced over the last month that may have caused this leak or maybe purely coincidental.
- valvoline maxlife synth atf in the reservoir (did a few left and rights with the res cap off to burp)
-new factory 555 outer tie rod ends
-new white line steering rack bushings.




View attachment 2583134

I'm sure you checked into this but a leak from above can be pretty deceiving and look like the rack is leaking. Although your upper part of the pic does seem to be pretty dry.

Have you cleaned everything up and inspected to verify it's not the hoses or pump, I had the same situation happen.

 

[Tanner H]

Sorry just to clarify, that is a photo the original poster provided, but my leak is in the same exact spot. I'm seeing aft leaking which is what i have in my system. Raining today (of course) but I'll be able to get it in my garage later today after work to really get a close up.


Searching other threads, it appears @2001LC has reported the input shaft being a common area for leaking. As of right now, I'm assuming this is the gremlin. The rack has 240k so I believe I might do a another flush and refill with Mobil 1 atf and some at-205. If no luck then she'll get a new steering rack.

 

[Mike NXP]

Sorry just to clarify, that is a photo the original poster provided, but my leak is in the same exact spot. I'm seeing aft leaking which is what i have in my system. Raining today (of course) but I'll be able to get it in my garage later today after work to really get a close up.


Searching other threads, it appears @2001LC has reported the input shaft being a common area for leaking. As of right now, I'm assuming this is the gremlin. The rack has 240k so I believe I might do a another flush and refill with Mobil 1 atf and some at-205. If no luck then she'll get a new steering rack.

Oh ok, gotcha.

The shaft you mentioned as a common leak is the shaft on the pump, correct? That is where mine leaked as well. Toyota tried claimed the rack was leaking and wanted to replace. After de-greasing and cleaning the entire area I found the leak to be coming from hose clamps at reservoir and a small drip at the pulley / shaft on the power steering pump. May be worth inspecting a bit closer to see if the fluid is coming from higher up as your rack may be a-ok.

 

[Tanner H]

I'll double check that side again since i was pressed for time, but the leak is def coming off the driver side. We actually got it up on the lift here at work since our techs were doing some suspension-related photographs and i peaked my head in there to confirm its right at that steering shaft input. like you said, could be from the hardlines right near there or something else. Good times.

 

[Mike NXP]

I'll double check that side again since i was pressed for time, but the leak is def coming off the driver side. We actually got it up on the lift here at work since our techs were doing some suspension-related photographs and i peaked my head in there to confirm its right at that steering shaft input. like you said, could be from the hardlines right near there or something else. Good times.

Oh, bummer. Thought we were on the passenger side of the system. Sorry.

Keep us updated

 

[Tanner H]

Ok I came home and burped the system slowly and a massive air pocket spilled out atf onto my garage floor. I topped it off and burped more to be safe. took it for a test drive and it’s been about an hour with zero signs of a leak. Keep in mind I could watch a drop hit the ground every 20 seconds this morning and would leave small puddles.
Hopefully someone comes across this post and solves their similar issue.


I forgot to mention I replaced the two long reservoir lines a month ago. I burped it back then but obviously there was air hiding. I’m guessing that air pocket finally made its way to a seal and forced it open causing the large leak. Once i burped the system i can only assume the seal moved back into its Normal spot.

 

[2001LC]

A better look at input shaft, is with #1 under-shield off (front skid). By looking up at where steering intermediate shaft connect to the rack.

Cleaned and dry

You can see the HP & LP lines where they hook to rack (DS) from engine bay or oil filter hatch with a phone camera.

Output shaft are in the boots covering the inner TRE. But very import to see if any leaks or spills from above, and than clean and watch. This leak is rarely stopped with AT-205 reseal. It is the one we replace the rack for 8 out of 10 times.

If a regular power steering stop leak is ever used. Which is like a cement flowing through the system than hardening. This ends-up damaging a lot in the long run. Like this LP line flared pipe and flare nut which had to be replaced with rack, due to being glued. As flare nut turned, it twisted hard line damaging it.

At-205 is not a glue, it's a rubber conditioner. Adding back what time leaches out. I can't speak for any other stop-leaks on the market. But did see someone used Lucas. Looking at Lucas web page, they claims it to be and oil good for system IDK!.

 

[2001LC]

BTW: The power steering system basically self-bleeds (burps), but it is best to follow FSM procedure and properly bleed and top to center line.

Steering Flush & Cleaning

Cleaning power steering reservoir and flushing it's fluid. Keeps Vane pump and rack & pinion in top condition. These step will help you get, a better idea on how to. Power wash reservoir & hoses using a degreaser, before starting service. Makes for cleaner job. Repeat, once all done with...

forum.ih8mud.com

Note in most case I find the need to hold reservoir level. They tend to lean inward toward engine, which makes appear at center line when actual closer to bottom line (Min Cold line)