I've got a '97 ES300, with almost 180K miles.

My mechanic has, for the past 40K miles or so, mentioned to me that the power steering pump has been leaking, but he also said not to worry about it too much as long as I didn't see any of the fluid hit the floor. Well, in the last month or two, I've noticed about one or two drops every time I drive and park the car (once a day). I'm pretty sure that the fluid is coming from the power steering pump, though it's possible that it could be a valve cover gasket issue too. (My mechanic has said that in the future I might want to also think about doing a valve cover gasket change since there's dampness there as well). I topped off the power steering reservoir back in December and I had to add a little yesterday, no more than 1 fluid oz. (the level was about two-thirds the way up between the min and the max lines on the reservoir, so not much fluid lost yet).

The questions I have are 1) is it good enough to just reseal the pump, or should I spend the extra $300 or so to have the pump replaced, 2) is this something I need to fix right away since the fluid drops might affect the alternator, or is this something that can wait until I get to 180K (probably in about 4-6 weeks) at which point I would do my 90K service.

Also, what are the considerations that I should think of if and when to do a valve cover gasket change?

TIA!

 

also, how much labor savings should I realize if I decide to do the power steering pump work and/or the valve cover gasket work at the same time as doing my 180K mile service? Spark plugs, timing belt, water pump.

 

Don't let that leak go on too long. That fluid leaks down onto the rack and is corrosive. Many folks who have that leak let it go too long and end up buying a new steering rack.