Weeping power steering res cap?

[HardyDanger]

Mystery question.

There’s this little puddle on top of the power steering res every time I check the oil (every fill up). I wipe it dry, then it’s back next time.

Yet the actual PS fluid supply never changes. What gives? It’s like the fountain of perpetual giving, if only it dispensed beer...

Ps. Ordered a new cap.

 

[bwesty]

It's not unusual for the gasket in cap to deteriorate and not seal properly. Buy a new Toyota cap and problem solved.

 

[whaler]

If you're level is high and you work the wheel quickly it may be pushing fluid to the cap with pressure.

 

[BILT4ME]

That's exactly what mine was doing and why I bought a new cap.

Parts Question: Power Steering Cap

I also cleaned the exterior and under the top lip of the reservoir. Then I used a gob of "The Right Stuff" in black (the cheeze-whiz can, not the tube) and used my finger to push the sealant into the gap at the top of the reservoir. The is an O-Ring crimped into the top of the canister that has hardened and I'm not going to take it apart to re-seal. This has worked very well so far.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

replace the cap and call it a day, easy peasy.

 

[LEX]

After reading a little about the PS air control valve, wouldn't that also cause fluid to evacuate like that?

 

[rockstate45]

Ha, mine did the exact same thing. Replaced mine exactly 24 hours ago. The cap is a little on the pricier side at $35.77 if you’re paying fully price. One of our local parts guru should be able to get you one cheaper.

Part number 44305-35030

 

[graham5david]

I think they actually sell the gasket. Someone posted it up a while back. It was like$2

 

[bwesty]

I think they actually sell the gasket. Someone posted it up a while back. It was like$2

Does anyone have the gasket part number to share?

 

[Whiphub]

$15 for replacement caps here

Power Steering Reservoir Cap 1993-1997 Land Cruiser [44305-35010 -Used] - $15.00 : CruiserParts.net, Toyota Landcruiser Parts

 

[Whiphub]

$15 for replacement caps here

Power Steering Reservoir Cap 1993-1997 Land Cruiser [44305-35010 -Used] - $15.00 : CruiserParts.net, Toyota Landcruiser Parts

 

[Tedward]

If you want another used cap. Might be worse than what you already have.

 

[zebrakiller]

Could a leaking cap make the steering feel heavy?

 

[SpenserAK]

Could a leaking cap make the steering feel heavy?

Low enough fluid would, or a weak/failing pump, or possibly other reasons - but the "action" of the cap leaking alone shouldn't do it. Have you confirmed the fluid level to be correct? Does your pump make any noise?

 

[Kernal]

Could a leaking cap make the steering feel heavy?

Which model/engine Land Cruiser are you working on?

 

[zebrakiller]

Low enough fluid would, or a weak/failing pump, or possibly other reasons - but the "action" of the cap leaking alone shouldn't do it. Have you confirmed the fluid level to be correct? Does your pump make any noise?

The fluid level is normal, but the pump makes a faint buzzing sound when fully turning. Strangely, after each 4wd trip, the steering feels lighter, but it suddenly gets heavy again after driving for a while. I'm planning to replace the pump next weekend

 

[zebrakiller]

Could a leaking cap make the steering feel heavy?

Which model/engine Land Cruiser are you working on?

1hdt

 

[Dissent]

As said before, just replace the cap. Do keep an eye out for the metal body leaking if you still have a damp reservoir. The metal body has a crimped cap and the gasket in there deteriorates over time. That OEM reservoir was the most expensive fluid container I've ever bought...the windshield washer fluid was a close 2nd.