Leak from Steering Boot
 

2012 White ES350 w/ 74K miles located in coastal southeastern US

I was changing my oil over the weekend and noticed that some grease/fluid was leaking from the rubber steering boot on the passenger side. The picture isn't the greatest but it seems/feels like there is a tear or hole in the bottom of the rubber boot. I haven't noticed the vehicle handling any differently. My vehicle was at the dealership a few months ago getting many of the fluids changed, and I would imagine this is something they would have noticed. So I'm hopeful that this is a new-ish problem. Looking for advice on what to do next. A few questions come to mind:

1. Has anyone encountered a similar issue and if so, what was the outcome?
2. Is it safe to operate in the short-term without doing more damage? I have to drive an hour or so to the airport tomorrow and then an hour back on Sunday (highway miles), and then in a few weeks I am moving 7 hours away. My goal is to have it addressed once I return from my weekend trip and before my big move.
3. Is this something that I should take either to the dealership or Toyota/Lexus certified mechanic, or something that can be handled by a local tire/brake shop?

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Have you checked the power steering fluid? You need to check it and carry some with you on these trips. It takes Dexron ATF fluid.
You may need a new or rebuilt steering rack. They are expensive, over $1000 closer to $2000.
See this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-neededed.html

Find an independent Japanese car specialist. If you need help finding a shop use this database of shops recommended by liisteners of the old Car Talk radio show. Then cross check them on Yelp & Google.

https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

Power Steering Fluid was at a healthy level. I will pick up some additional power steering fluid to have in the vehicle just in case. I was REALLY hoping to not need to get entire steering rack replaced, but from everything I've seen and everyone I've talked to, it seems that is the most likely outcome. Thank you for the recommendation on how to find a good shop to take it to. I appreciate it.

I had this issue on my 11. My boot was torn (and leaking), so I replaced it. I cleaned the area inside the rack where the boot covered, as it had a little trash in there from being open. I added a small amount of power steering fluid with stop leak and have let it ride. I monitor it on occasion and don't experience any fluid loss, at least that I can tell. The Care Care Nut has a great video on it below. He basically states that unless the thing is pouring or you're losing a fair amount of fluid to just leave it alone and keep an eye on it. Some of these racks can seep for a while and still work fine. I'm not throwing a rack into my 204k mile car just yet. I'll get rid of it in a year or 2, but if it doesn't get any worse, it'll stay as-is.

I guess, per the video, mine was fairly bad or just not found for awhile, since the boot was torn. I'll put it on ramps and check it out again. I know my fluid isn't getting low, and I topped this off a awhile ago; no leaks or puddles under the car. I put about 1800 miles a month on mine. I say let it go as long as you can, but keep in mind you may need to replace it before you get rid of the car.


On this second video, he mentions that once the boot is torn, it's a decent leak and replacing the boot doesn't help in the long-term. Again, I'll try to remember to check mine tonight or this week and see how it is after adding the stop-leak. 4:28 he starts talking about it.

Another option, presuming it’s actually ATF (ps fluid) coming out, is to run a quart of ester oil PSF into it. The ester oil will condition seals as well as working as a great synthetic fluid. I’ve stopped a serious steering leak in our 4ES this way.

Both Redline and Lubegard make an ester-based PSF - a little pricey at $16/quart but worth it if it works vs. the alternatives. I’ve used the Lubegard and it worked. I add a few ounces to all PS systems now as insurance.

I'm glad you made this post because it reminded me I need to look at mine. I think I'll put it on the ramps tonight and have a look. I pulled up my detailed spreadsheet of maintenance, and it looks like I changed that boot and reservoir fluid about 30k ago. I checked the level not long ago and it was still good. Hopefully the new boot isn't oily. I've been reading about Lucas power steering stop leak. Seems to be worth a try without damaging anything. I'd probably add very little to start with. I love mine, and I'm not ready to replace it with a 16-18 model yet, but I also don't want to spend thousands on it. 204k mostly trouble-free; it's been a good car.

I'll report back after I check it out, so the OP will know if he can keep buying time. The boot definitely will need to be replaced, at the least, to prevent trash from getting in there and ruining the seal quicker.

I would encourage you to look into the Redline or Lubegaurd PSF fluid or additives also. They are much higher tech (more modern chemistry), more effective IME, and are less risky than the old-tech Lucas products. Different mechanisms and chemistry. Lucas does not always play well with PS pump components.

My steering rack had a leak. I drove it for almost 3 years before the internal components of the rack wore out which lead to knocking noises. My PS fluid level never dropped.

I paid $1700 for parts and labor. I went with aftermarket. This specific mechanic didn't accept customer parts so they were trying to charge me almost $2000 for an OEM steering rack. I found it online for about $900. I didn't feel like ordering the part and looking for another mechanic so I went ahead and just had them do it. Parts and labor covered for a year.

Labor is the killer here. The subframe needs to be dropped in order to remove the rack. Expect a shop to charge you 8-10 hours of labor.

I said I’d report back. Just put it on ramps and I’m happy to say after 30k miles, no torn boot, no wet boot.

OP, take out some fluid from the reservoir like you’re changing it and put some PS fluid with stop leak in it. I also drove the car about 500-1000 miles and “turkey baster” changed the fluid again (only in the reservoir).

Pics below. The boot looks cracked on one but it’s not. It’s the way it’s folded.

If you can work on your own car, buy the boot kit, do what I did with the fluid, and keep driving it. You can kick the can down the road for a while if your leak isn’t that bad.
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