leaking power steering fluid for 1999 rx300

 

Source of leak? If you cant see then it is most likely leaking in the steering column. There are two sets of bellows connecting the tie-rod-ends. Open the clamp on the bellow end and see if fluid comes out. If that happens, best would be to replace the rack. Depending on the milage, you may elect the refurnished.

Salim

 

Not sure where the leak is, but it is really damp on the passenger side. Mileage is ~150k. Also there is/was a loud sneaking noise that sounded like it came from the power steering pump when I added fluid and it went away after about 10/15 seconds (probably after the fluid circulated). The bellow, I'll check after I get the car jacked high enough so I can crawl under. My thought is maybe the pump might be the villain. Thanks for the quick response.

 

If you get a rebuilt or new PS unit use Max Life synthetic trans fluid in it, this will help the unit last a lot longer.
Also change the fluid about 30K miles, I have had my pumps go 529,000 400,000 and 250,000 miles on different cars.
I also put the Max Life in my 2001 RX300 and it sure makes it shift fast and smooth and the mileage above all my trans lasted the same.
I also put synthetic oil 5w30 in my motors in the same cars and they went the distance changed it around 10-15 K or once a year.
My hobby is to see how far I can drive a car till all 4 wheels fall off Toyotas and Lexus can go the distance.

 

Well you know how much you needed to add to the reservoir. That is the amount of loss.
What you describe is an affect of low fluid but it does not mean the pump is leaking. If you put in a new pump and the leak is somewhere else, you will be back to square one. [Although the pump does not like to run dry and it can fail due to leak at another place].
I would say clean up the engine and pump surround. Now with enough fluid in there, you should be able to spot the leak.

Dont swap parts, First do proper diagnosis.

Salim

 

What about hose leak? Pressure or return?