Was changing my oil, and upon removing the engine under cover, noticed both boots on my steering rack are covered in fluid, probably PS.

No visible cracks or holes or tears in the boots.

probably still have to replace the PS rack?

 

If you unscrew one of the boots and fluid comes out, the seals are bad, it's not to bad of a job to replace the rack.

 

I'm having the same issue on my 98, can seals be replaced, or it's less of a headache just the the whole rack??

 

You don't have to replace the rack. Depending how bad it is. You might want to replace the joint.

 

I have had a few leaks with mine and I have started using Prestone Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak, (all the same product e.g. in the same bottle) while I can't say it stopped the leak I have noticed that I don't have to fill the SP reservoir very often now.

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onl...ecommendations

 

you should be using toyota ATF not off the shelf PS Fluid anyways. mine leaked as well, i changed the boots and tons of watery fluid came out. added ATF and have seen no more leaks yet, it's been 3 months.

 

It is a lot easier to change the steering rack. There is a diy in the suspension forum on how to replace it and also a diy on how to rebuild it (written by someone that repairs steering racks for a living).

 

That's just for the tranny, isn't it? I hadn't heard that the PS system is sensitive to the type of ATF.

 

From what I can remember, there isn't a Toyota branded PS fluid available. It says to use Dexron-type ATF on the cap of the PS reservoir.

 

That's what mine says, too. (Same for the 1UZ hydro fan.) Using the expensive Toyota ATF seems like overkill unless there's a good reason to do so. I guess the Toyota stuff would be considered non-Dexron?

 

if it says it on the cap then use it, why risk problems for a few more bucks?

 

Because you said to. I was asking why.

 

I'm confused on what you're trying to ask. Are you asking why to use OEM ATF vs aftermarket ATF or why we should use ATF instead of regular PS fluid?

Toyota ATF is a dexron type ATF. You can use any brand of Dexron ATF, but oem Type T-IV is only $5 or 6 a quart. Most aftermarket fluids are around the same price.

 

I used Dex merc valvoline brand and it's fine, even though I have 5 quarts of Toyota t iv under my bench. I'm saving the t4 for my 2000 trany flush.

 

The former. Without going out to the garage to check, I wasn't sure if Toyota's Type T-IV is considered Dexron, so I assumed it isn't from your previous message. I just took a look at the tranny dip stick and it specifically says to use the Type T-II or equivalent, as opposed to the PS cap which says to use Dexron ATF. Rectangle vs a square...

Neither is cheap, compared to most fluids, but the Toyota stuff is close to 50% more expensive, possibly more if you don't buy in bulk.