donkiboy

My '06 TL was diagnosed to have a leaking power steering rack. Can I just simply keep filling up the reservoir with fluid instead of replacing the steering rack?
I don't see any physical fluid leak hitting the ground underneath the car, so I'm guessing it's a small leak.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

yes, you could...however, small leaks turn into big leaks over time.

Scottwax

If it isn't excessive, sure. Kind of like how VQ35 Maxima owners are, adding oil every couple of weeks is a lot cheaper than a rebuild.

csmeance

yes you can! Just remember that if fluid is leaking out, that means dust and dirt can get in! This means extra wear on the steering rack and eventual failure that is going to occur faster. You can wait it out but eventually it'll need to be replaced. Be sure to use HONDA or ACURA power steering fluid only!!!!!

WDPanda

Would you rather open the hood frequently to check and top up fluid until its eventual demise, or plan to get it over with soon so it doesn't preoccupy your mind.
A rebuilt rack can be had for $2-300
Plus 2 or 3 hours labor.

truonghthe

depend on how big is the leak, if its a small leak I am not loosing sleep over it however mine was leaking at a moderate rate and I waited a year before replace the rack. Base TL rack isn't so bad to find, Type S is another story.

donkiboy

Just an update on the steering of my '06 TL. Is the power steering pump on the right side of the engine bay? I've been hearing a repetitive squeaking sound in the area near the front right wheel well (sounds like the springs squeaking in an old mattress as you press on it repeatedly).

It also seems to be require more muscle to turn, esp at low speeds in parking lot. The power steering fluid was low, which I've since topped off (adding more fluid, made the squeak noise go away).

Is the power steering pump on the verge of failure?

thoiboi

fix the leak

donkiboy

Thanks, it probably is all due to the leak getting worse over time.

I'm hoping I won't need to replace the entire steering rack and that the leak itself will be fixable.

69z-28

Could be the rack or hoses. If you are capable of getting under the car yourself, you can check to see where the leak is coming from and then determine how much time/money it's going to take to fix it. You can damage the pump by running the system dry but as you already know, keep the fluid full in the mean time and get the leak fixed as soon as you can. Might be fine for another 12 months just adding fluid but ultimately, the leak will cause issues and best to fix it sooner rather than later. Good luck!

dope!

iTrader: (28)

have it rebuilt! i got mine done a few years back and havent ever had any problems. best decision i ever made lol

donkiboy

Here's an update.

Turns out that the steering rack leak is on the driver side. I've been quoted $800 installed for a replacement rack.
I was told by mechanic that I can simply keep the power steering fluid topped off as the leak is quite small.

Sutitan

I have the same issue. first it was the pump which was leaking so I rebuilt that. However my rack was leaking as well. its been maybe 3 years since the rebuild, and my car has a little bit of a whine when temps are near freezing. The leak appears to be from the rack. I top it off once a year and its usually good to go. Issues seem to pretty much go away entirely in the summer besides maybe a very very slow leak. Never any drips or stains underneath my car.

donkiboy

I also get that faint whine(when turning) esp when it's cold out. One of the things I've noticed while dealing with this leak is that the steering isn't as 'smooth' as before.
I'll just keep the steering fluid level topped off and live with this.