Sweaty Bellow boots rack and pinion issues

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patrickfinley

patrickfinley

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Aug 16, 2010
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Location
South Florida
Hey,

Just had my LC at the Toyota dealership. They tell me I am leaking fluid from my bellow boots and that my steering fluid is draining out. They say there is now an improved rack and pinion system but it will cost $1800 to install.

I've got an 04 with 95k+ miles. Is this a normal wear and tear issue? It's the first I've heard of it. Is there an easy way to extend this repair? I am not a wrench monkey in any sense.
 
1. Does your power steering still work? Yes

2. Is power steering fluid dripping on the ground under your truck when parked? No

3. Do you have a spare $1800 to throw at a problem that probably isn't an immediate problem? No

4. Do dealerships make most of their money in the service and parts department, thereby selling unneeded repairs to folks who don't know any better? Yes!

Shop around and find a rebuilt unit and then have your trusted, independent mechanic install it for you, when you have the extra cash. In other words, stop going to the stealership!
 
How much fluid is it leaking? My '98 with 130k, the boots have been wet for a long time but not hitting the ground and no noticeable fluid loss. $1800 seems high, go with an Toyota reman rack when it need it... Should be much less $$$.
 
To my knowledge it is not dripping, but I will have to investigate further.
 
2001 LC w/ 195,000 miles - Mine had been leaking for about 7,000 miles or so but I added a bit of Lucas Power Steering fluid and it has not leaked in quite some time. This includes a trip to NM mountains, quite a bit of wheeling and around town deriving. I'm planning on new rack this summer though.
 
I reluctantly was using Santa Monica Toyota while I worked right across the street from them. I am no longer going to use them. Marina Toyota actually gave me this quote, historically they have been on the up and up but I'm not so sure anymore.

I park the truck in a different spot every night. I'm going to have to put something under the boots to see if they are leaking. I will also check fluid levels.
 
patrickfinley said:
I reluctantly was using Santa Monica Toyota while I worked right across the street from them. I am no longer going to use them. Marina Toyota actually gave me this quote, historically they have been on the up and up but I'm not so sure anymore.

I park the truck in a different spot every night. I'm going to have to put something under the boots to see if they are leaking. I will also check fluid levels.
Click to expand...

What ever came of of this...are you still on the same rack?
 
That's close to the prices I saw for the OEM racks, I ended up going with a Detroit reman w/lifetime warranty for $190. After researching for a few hours it looks like the failure rate isn't what it was made to be for remans, I guess time will tell.

My rack is 100% shot though, it'll turn 1/4 easy then 1/4 turn hard, 1/4 turn easy 1/4 turn hard.... Nothing else seems to be binding and the pump is spinning with no leaks, groans, pulley wobble so it has to be the rack.
 
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