I've noticed a small leak at the pump, now im not sure if it's from a line or the pump itself, hard to tell very tight in there, I also have a gasket kit for the power steering, that was on the car when i bought it, now my question is what would be the best route to tackle this task?
1. should I replace the gaskets on the current pump/how hard would this be?
2. Get a new pump about $350.00
3. or possibly get a used one from a member here?
4. How much would I be looking at labor wise? base on alldata anyone know est...?

I need this fixed soon, since it cause a alternator replacement, which I have a yr warranty!!!

 

How much is it leaking by?

 

not much at all, is not like it's pouring or anything, id ont feel any differents in the steering or noises at all

 

i'd say you should probably try to replace the gaskets. never done it myself but it's probably worth trying instead of spending $350 first.

good luck yo

 

If it's a small leak, go and grab a bottle of lucas power steering stop leak. Take some out of your reservoir and fill it up with the lucas. Keep on doing it until your car doesn't leak anymore. I've done it to my car and a few others and it works.

 

I took this advice and I think it stopped the leak. After replacing my alternator that is. You can do a few power steering drain and fills while you're at it.

 

Would this step cause any damage to the steering pump more than it has already, since there only supposed to put toyota tranny fluid in there It's on the low line already and yes it's very dark...

 

It shouldn't have any problems, at least I haven't heard of any. Worse comes worse, you still have the same leak. It's suppose to get rid of or reduce the pump noise also. I applied it to my father's toyota camry that had a loud squeal in the pump and now it's quieter. I'd say this stuff is good.

 

Im going to pick a bottle up today, and try it

 

$8 > $350

It's worth a try.

 

Hey, let us know how it works out. Thanks.

 

yeah, any update on how this played out?

 

I ended up using the Lucas PS leak stop, and since then have kept my eyes open for the leak seems like nothing more than drips, PS refill bottle is always on the full mark. no tight steering, noise,whinning, nothing....

 

yeah well i had 'drips' for a while too......then had to replace my alternator yesterday

good thing it was under warranty. just had to pay $77 in labor.

they said it will be $393 total for the power steering pump to be replaced. anyone know if that sounds about right?

 

When you say "Toyota tranny fluid" are you referring to the Toyota Type 4 or Mercon/Dexron tranny fluid? Which fluid did you pour into your power steering reservoir prior?

Remember use only Mercon/Dexron Transmission fluid or compatible synthetic ATF. I.E Amsoil Universal, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF and others can be used in our power steering unit and not Toyota type 4..