My 2001 RX 300 is leaking power stearing fluid. The dealership told me it's the power steering line that is leaking.

Does that mean that the line is shot or that a seal is worn out?

I'm trying to figure out if I just need a ring replacement or a new pressure line? Hopefully that makes sense, I'm a noob on this one.

 

If you search a bit you can find details. It’s common.

You can sometimes just replace the upper part of the return line with fuel hose from the hardware store. EZPZ.

I also added some ester oil (Lubegard, etc.) to the line, and it will recondition seals and slow or stop leaks.

This is a common problem and there are some possible cures before an annoying repair job. Can’t tell what’s going on with yours, but with more info, pics, etc. we can possibly neck it down.

 

Not sure how to answer when we have a professional who physically made a determination and folks sitting over the net to give counter determination. The hose replacement will cost less than the seal replacement so the news is not really bad. [seal typically mean a new pump or a new rack].

You can take it to another mechanic. The hose replacement does not need Lexus certified mechanic.

Salim

 

What “counter determination” was made? Seems a vague and unhelpful thing to add.

 

There is no o-ring. As mentioned above, the return hose is low pressure, so it can be replaced easily. The high pressure hose has a banjo bolt fitting at the pump, with 2 copper crush washers. The end at the rack has a flared fitting. No o-rings. The best way to find the leak is to get up under the car and degrease the power steering pump and lines. Then run the vehicle and watch for leaks again and crawl under there and see where it is coming from. The leak is normally a high pressure hose crimp and there's nothing you can do about it other than replace the hose. I have included a picture of the hose that I bought off of amazon. It can be fun to change out.

 

Thank you. By "fun", do you mean it can be a pain in the ***?

I'll spray some degreaser up in there and see where it is coming from.

 

That is exactly what I mean. It is attached to the rear of the intake plenum and engine block.

 

Got it. How long of a job was it for you?

 

It wouldn't really apply, because I did it when I rebuilt my engine.

 

If it’s the banjo fitting or a crimp that’s leaking badly, replacing the hoses is difficuly because clearances are really tight.

But as mentioned, there ARE some common leak spots that are easy to fix (upper portion of return hose). Give a shot at ID’ing where it’s coming from, and also, how much are we talking about (how often do you need to add fluid, how much gets to the pavement overnight, etc.)?

 

Got it. Thank you.

 

I'll be checking it this weekened. Right now it's slow in my opinion. I have been refilling the resevoir about once every month.

 

Refilling the WHOLE reservoir once a month? Because that’s quite a bad leak. Or just topping up a bit?

I ask since there are some alternative fluids/additives (ester oil) that can do some limited reconditioning of hoses, but are not magic. Anyway, try to spot that leak source and we can try to help! I’ve fought these on a few cars, as have others here, glad to share info where it can help.

 

Can someone help confirm / advise if this leak is coming from the pump? I looked around it doesn’t seem to be coming from any hose connection points.

ps is at 170k miles. It’s a really minor leak but still causing spots all over driveway. I’m suspicious switching to synthetic caused the issue.

 

Can you observe a fall in the level of the reservoir. If the leak is slow, it will take longer to make a noticeable difference.

Inspect hose and connections and bearing seal.

Salim