Dallasguy1

When today I picked my car up after the shocks replacement mechanic told me one of the boots on the steering rack is leaking and told me I need to changed the entire rack, having driven front wheel drive cars can't I just change the boots and put new grease in it instead of changing it totally. Inputs please.

Organized Garage Status

The steering rack is different from axels. Although you'd only need to replace the entire rack if you're running out of power steering fluid continuously. If not, just replace the boot itself, to protect the seals inside from dirt and dust further damaging it.

bbrowncods

If it is leaking PS fluid, the O-ring on that side has failed. The boot is just where it is coming out and therefore will not stop leaking by just replacing the boot.

BradTank

To me, it sounds like your mechanic is confusing two different things.

If the axle boot is leaking grease (which is VERY common on these cars) that's an easy fix. The steering rack leaking power steering fluid is different (and it not a very common problem)

I really think the place you're taking it to is fishing for work at every opportunity. Didn't all of this work come from a simple oil change you took it in for? Why didn't he find this problem the first time?

Dallasguy1

It's the grease leaking from boot. I asked him today he said just keep driving we'll have to change the rack once it's completely out.

BradTank

You shouldn't have to put in a completely new steering rack just to replace the CV joints.

I'd find a new mechanic.

Dallasguy1

Yeah that makes sense , is there anyone from Dallas TX area and know some reasonable mechanic.

co4wheel

The op is the one who said grease, not the mechanic. The mechanic said it was his steering rack. I think the OP made the confusion. Any decent mechanic knows the difference from Power Steering fluid and Grease.

DallasGuy is it dripping under the truck?

Dallasguy1

No dripping it is the boot leaking grease.

co4wheel

Then just replace both the boots.

And get a new ethical mechanic. You can shop for one with the issue you have now. See who is honest and doesn't try to turn it into more then it is.

langer51

I have the same problem with my 2007.. was told by a oil change place that my rack was leaking and I didn't believe them. Later took it into my trusted mechanic who confirmed that the driver side boot was wet from power steering fluid. He said a seal is leaking and will eventually blow, but right now it is just a small leak. Could happen in a year or before, but it will need to be replaced sometime.

He also said this is pretty rare for the GX-470, much more common in the GS-300/350.

Too bad because the repair is around a grand with non-OEM parts, almost 2 grand with Lexus rack assembly.

Dallasguy1

Not really 2 grand I saw refurb assembly for 250$ with 1 year warranty and original Lexus rack is 750$ something. But I donno why no mechanic wants to just change the boot. Growing up had a corolla and used to get the axel boots changed very easily.

co4wheel

The boot just protects the seal that is inside the rack. Replacing the boot is not gonna change a thing.

chiph9

Yep. If it's fluid and not grease, that means the internal seal has failed and the entire rack will need to be replaced.

I expect the labor costs to be pretty steep, so unless you can convince Lexus to help you out, taking it to a good 3rd party mechanic would be the best option.

Chip H.

Dallasguy1

The GX I have was a certified vehicle for 3 years and 100k miles. I have about 90k miles do u think I stand a chance now. Year is 2007 though.