kevinfor

My Auto Shop is telling me that I have a Power Steering leak ( see Photos) and the Power Rack & Pinion Assy needs to be replaced.. I am wondering if this is really the case, or if just the seals can be replaced... or can I just use some Power Steering fluid conditioner... & it will plug up any leaks.. as the levels seem normal...

here's the quote I got...

LE44250-30230-84 Remanufactured Rack & Pin $483 + 4.2 Hours ($519) total $1162
(includes PS Fluid + I believe includes the Alignment service..

checking parts on autozone & oreilly I see the following brands
$422 Duralast ($130 core) Atlantic automotive (reman $469 - $105 core) masterpro $365


looking at the photos - I am not sure what I am actually looking at or how serious this is... and if I can just keep an eye on the PS Steering fluid levels.. or if I am risking a steering failure...

my concern is it's a 1999 GS400 with only $64k miles.. so it should not be having issues.. but the car was involved in a few fender-benders in the past that were body repaired.. if this does need to be replaced should other things be replaced at the same time bushing, seals etc.

kornpeef

I dont consider it a leak until i can see a fluid drip. that doesnt look like a leak to me. alot of the toyota/ lexus hydraulic racks leak from the passenger side boot. toyota knows of this common problem and have created a TSB to address . Is your power steering fluid low?

FrankT

That's no leak until you see ATF on the ground, keep your power steering system topped off with ATF and you will not have a steering failure.

For a replacement rack check out rackdoctor.net, owner is a car (BMW) enthusiast.

FYI book rate on R&R a rack is a bit over 2 hours not 4...