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I got this GX from a family member, and I am starting to save to do maintenance on it to keep it running strong. Did the oil change already. However, when I did an under carriage check I saw some concerning things.
I got a steering rack from advance auto when it was going out of business, but I’m wondering how to check where the leak is coming from exactly. Mechanic told me the rack is fine but just needs to be monitored.
also, my oil pan looks like it’s sweating oil heavily but my mechanic told me it’s the upper oil pan that’s leaking?
insight would be appreciated trying to do all the maintenance myself. Driver side Passenger side
Feel the steering rack boots - if there's fluid in them, then the seals on the rack are leaking.
(my factory one needs changing for this - it's about $1000 in parts)
For the oil pan - follow the oil up to where it originated.
It's not uncommon for a GX of this age to need valve cover + spark plug tube seals.
But .. it could also be the oil pan seal. Just got to go see.
Monitor the PS fluid level and see how much is leaking. Replacing a rack is major surgery, and sometimes there are options.
If the leak is not massive and those boots are not full of ATF, then get some ester additive or ester ATF or PSF into the system. It can slow and stop leaks by repairing seal integrity. I’ve avoided at least TWO nasty PS repair jobs that way, once on a Lexus and one on a Volvo. Lubegard makes a good ester PS fluid, and I believe Redline’s should be just as effective. If the boots are not full of fluid, and it leaking rapidly, try this in order to avoid the nasty repair.
Monitor the PS fluid level and see how much is leaking. Replacing a rack is major surgery, and sometimes there are options.
If the leak is not massive and those boots are not full of ATF, then get some ester additive or ester ATF or PSF into the system. It can slow and stop leaks by repairing seal integrity. I’ve avoided at least TWO nasty PS repair jobs that way, once on a Lexus and one on a Volvo. Lubegard makes a good ester PS fluid, and I believe Redline’s should be just as effective. If the boots are not full of fluid, and it leaking rapidly, try this in order to avoid the nasty repair.
thank you for the reply, I do check the PS fluid often and it’s still full. I want to think it was leaking slowly, and I already have a spare rack. ( bought it for $200 reman oem ) I will use the ps additive to see if that helps, can I clean the boots or replace them to stop the seepage ? Or is it pointless to do so until I replace the rack.
Feel the steering rack boots - if there's fluid in them, then the seals on the rack are leaking.
(my factory one needs changing for this - it's about $1000 in parts)
For the oil pan - follow the oil up to where it originated.
It's not uncommon for a GX of this age to need valve cover + spark plug tube seals.
But .. it could also be the oil pan seal. Just got to go see.
Chip H.
alright, I will check those two things to see if I need to replace them. The mechanic swore it was the upper oil pan which had me confused since the oil pan looks like the main leak source when I inspected all sides. I’ll look again to see if I can see a leak coming from higher above. It’s just weird since the oil drip is consistent all the way around which makes me believe is the oil pan seal.
Maintenance Help + Suggestions
