Add more power steering fluid due to leaky steering rack
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Add more power steering fluid due to leaky steering rack
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.
I don't see any physical fluid leak hitting the ground underneath the car, so I'm guessing it's a small leak.
#4
Senior Moderator
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.
I don't see any physical fluid leak hitting the ground underneath the car, so I'm guessing it's a small leak.
#5
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.
A rebuilt rack can be had for $2-300
Plus 2 or 3 hours labor.
#6
Suzuka Master
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.
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
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?
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?
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Last edited by donkiboy; 03-09-2018 at 02:32 PM.
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#8
Senior Moderator
fix the leak
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#9
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#10
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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!
#12
Instructor
Thread Starter
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.
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.
#13
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.
#14
Instructor
Thread Starter
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.
I'll just keep the steering fluid level topped off and live with this.
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