good afternoon,
Noticed what looks like oil in the driveway but it appears to be coming from this boot(photo attached)
which is torn, its located on the driver side below the axle area.
Engine is dry. Never replaced this before and is it power steering fluid? What boot do I need to order?
Thanks for all replies.

 

that is your steering rack and pinion leaking, rack and labor will cost you $2000k at the dealer or around $800-$900 independent shop.

 

@truonghthe, thanks. The whole thing needs replaced? no way to replace the boot? Was this a big problem with these cars? Is that the power steering fluid or another fluid within the rack system?

 

Yes the whole rack and pinion will need to be replaced (Unless you want to pay a crap load of labor for rebuilding the rack) however I would suggest you check the power steering fluid and drive awhile until you feel sloppy in steering. Meanwhile you can save up for a reputable rebuilt or a new OEM.

Its some what common in the 3g TL, I THINK it mainly people ignore the PS fluid replacement and over the years it become acidic and eat away the seals. Mine leaked at 89k miles and I drove the car for a year prior replace the rack.

BTW if you buy OEM rack, you also need purchase inner tire rods. If you buy the re-manufacture rack then just replace outer tire rods since your car will need to be realigned.

I can't recall on top of my head but the Base TL OEM rack is dirt cheap, its like $475 ball park while my Type Slow cost me almost $800.

 

damn sorry to see this

 

Reman from Rock Auto low as $135.79
New $216.79
Rock doesn't differentiate between Base and TLS as they are the same externally, but the TLS does use a different valve assembly.

 

Mine went at 125,000 miles. There is a video of the replacement process on an 06 on YouTube if you are up for the job. Good Luck

 

I just posted another thread to see if the rack can be removed out the top and not dropping subframe. I'd like to remove and buy the seal kit to rebuild it. I have another car so its not like I need this soon and I have the time tools to do the job. Anyone rebuild and replace the seals boot?. I see boots available on parts geek .com.

 

@ quantum 7
Yes I watched it, doesn't seem too bad other than getting to the line with minimal clearance.
I am going to start on it tonight.
I got the front brakes finished this morning. Need to finish steering rack then drive it to Florida.

 

I think I will order a boot and replace that and see how far I can go until it starts to leak again. Its not s small job getting it out for sure.

 

All you're going to get is a new boot filled with fluid. Rack needs rebuild/replacement.

 

Thank you turbo. Wondering for an interim solution, a new boot and stop leak. How does stop leak work? Does it create a gel that is barrier to leaking?

 

Can't hurt to try something like Lucas PS Stop Leak. Never know, it may slow it down as it probably swells the seals.