TopTiger

can not find source of leak, not a major leak but enough to be concerned. appears to be trans or steering fluid, not antifreeze or engine oil. any ideas would be helpful.

Oro

It is about time for the high pressure side of the power steering hose to start leaking. Check that. You can feel the hoses down from the reservoir and one will likely be very brittle or even cracked. You can replace it and pump out the system and fill with fresh ATF.

Alternatively it could be the pump, which is a little difficult to replace. But most likely the hose. If you wanna play it safe and avoid pump failure as long as you can, install a magnefine or similar filter in the new line.

pacerman

Agree with Oro Every Lexus we have in with the exception of a 2013 ES 350 has had the high pressure hose replaced.

TopTiger

Thanks for the comments. What would be a reasonable charge from a Lexsus or Toyota dealer to change out the high pressure power steering hose as suggested. The car has 208,000 miles and other than this leak runs like new.

Oro

From the dealer? Maybe $300?

Go to an independent Japanese shop and it will be about $65 I would think (whatever their minimum labor time/fee is). Maybe $5 fee for a quart of ATF. It takes $5 in hydraulic hose, $5 in ATF, and maybe 20 minutes.

Over 200k you need to be on the eye for things that age out with time/mileage and that's just normal. Though once fixed the car will continue to run great. Things I had to deal with between 200k and 275K:

oil control valves (for VVTi system)
alternator
power steering pump
shocks and rear springs
both front wheel bearings
left and right motor mounts

TopTiger

Ok guys, hold on to your hats, here are my 4 quotes today from Charlotte, NC. for replacing the power steering high pressure line, all assured me this was a "total" price, parts, labor, fluids and tax. What gives? Any other suggestions?

1. Indepent shop in business for 28 years: $275
2 Independent shop in business for 17 years: $510
3 Major Toyota dealership: $850
4 Major Lexsus dealership: $1,010

Oro

YGBSM.

There is a 2nd hose that is roll-crimped. The one you MOST likely need changed is not that one. I think that is what they are quoting. It is more difficult.

Take a look at your reservoir and run your hands down. The area that usually leaks is the easily replaceable sections of hose that join the reservoir; you don't need to replace the whole steel section of hose (it is steel and rubber).

The (lower) quotes may not be out of line, but I don't think that is what you need done.

stirfryboy

You need to diagnose first, then replace parts if needed. There are a lot of places that leaks can come from on the passenger side.

TopTiger

Thanks for the advice.

satiger

iTrader: (1)

I had mine (high pressure hose) replaced few months back (at around 275k miles). I purchased OEM from EB Toyota parts (part 44411-06040) for $325 shipped and labor at Lexus dealership is another $300. Since I don't repair such stuff myself, didn't want to deal with after market one and possible leaks in few months or later. I average around 22k miles a year, prefer with OEM parts for peace of mind.

This is for 2000ES. Your year part number may be different.

YLK

Which eBay seller ? I am not able to find Genuine Toyota Pressure Hose (part # 44411-06040) on eBay.

Also, is it possible to repair the pressure hose by replacing only the rubber parts keeping the metal parts ?