Keith1001

Our Lexus dealer told us our 2007 RX350 has a rack and pinion steering leak and requires a $1600 replacement. Our power steering fluid is at normal level and our car has 40K miles. How can I be sure there is a real leak?

RX330inFL

Welcome to Club Lexus, Keith1001.

Unfortunately, we are beginning to hear more and more about this particular problem. The leak can be a small one and hardly noticeable unless you put the car up on a lift for a close inspection. As yours seems to be minor, you can get away with continuing to drive the vehicle without worries. Keep an eye open for drip marks forming where you park your RX.

For more information, use the search features here at Club Lexus for the forums on this topic. There are plenty of existing threads for you to read.

Jonathan75

A Toyota dealership replaced the steering rack on my 2007 Rx350 last week due to fluid leakage for $950.00. The service adviser showed me the location of the leak.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

Unless its dripping on the garage floor i wouldnt do it. Mine has been weeping for 20k miles with no reduction in reswrvoir levels and no steering problems. Wait until it gets bad unless you have money to burn.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

To be sure drive up on some rhino ramps and look underneath.

StLucchese

look under where the cv boots are located, just one of the indicators for leakage

TriniLex

Can anyone show me some picture of a leaking Steering rack on a rx350?

Rainbird

My 2007 was leaking steering fluid from the preload tensioner nut on the rack and pinion assembly. The Lexus dealership found it during the 60k service. I had them replace the nut and power steering fluid. Cost was $125.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

Found mine during a tire rotation at home, didn't notice anything unusual at the rotation 6 months prior. I wasn't looking for it and at the time wasn't aware it was a common issue. I believe this photo was of the passenger side, I noticed the oily spot on the frame when I had the wheel off and traced it the short distance to the boot on the steering rack. We didn't have any obvious fluid spots on our driveway.





The reservoir level when I found the leak. I do check under the hood once in a while but was guilty of "out of sight out of mind" this time since the reservoir is under a cover.