Rack and Pinion Unit Leaking Oil
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: CA
I'm glad your are happy with your Lexus. I thought I would be too.
But frankly, after 50 years of driving cars, I've never had a power steering leak that I can remember. And certainly not at @ 45K miles. Add this to the repeated problems with tire pressure sensors (erroneous alerts and 1 replaced (dealer quoted $220, tire dealer did it for $90) which I've had, I can only say I'm not so satisfied.
The fact that that the rack and pinion leak is a topic on this forum should lead Lexus to reevaluate the design.
But frankly, after 50 years of driving cars, I've never had a power steering leak that I can remember. And certainly not at @ 45K miles. Add this to the repeated problems with tire pressure sensors (erroneous alerts and 1 replaced (dealer quoted $220, tire dealer did it for $90) which I've had, I can only say I'm not so satisfied.
The fact that that the rack and pinion leak is a topic on this forum should lead Lexus to reevaluate the design.
Driver
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 1
From: tx
Maybe an independent shop can fix it for less than $1800, using rebuilt Toyota parts.
For comparison:
My previous Toyota Sienna had r & p leak at 11 years and 90 K miles; $700 repair using rebuilt Toyota parts.
My current 1999 Honda Accord w/ 100 K miles and the r & p has not leaked yet (luck ?? ).
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: me
Mine went in for a timing belt and came out with a quote for a new rack, as well as a new radiator (second time I have replaced it) and an AF Sensor, and a whole bunch of other "you should get this done" add ons.
I went to school for auto repair and do most of my repairs myself. I CANNOT BELIEVE that I spent this much money on a lexus and with 100k on it it needs $4k worth of repairs. Junk.
My last RX300 tranny crapped out at 115k. I think I am going to buy a ford next.
I went to school for auto repair and do most of my repairs myself. I CANNOT BELIEVE that I spent this much money on a lexus and with 100k on it it needs $4k worth of repairs. Junk.
My last RX300 tranny crapped out at 115k. I think I am going to buy a ford next.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: on
First of all, don't take your lexus to a Lexus dealer. They are going to stoke you hard because they think you have lots of cash and you're as dumb as a 2 by 4. get a second opinon. Racks on many different vehicles have wet spots. Big deal. Just check the level once in a while and add if needed. Lexus is Number 1 in customer satisfaction. Somebody, somewhere has got to say something good about them. Find a good mechanic who doesn't charge shop rates and who will be honest instead of trying to upsell you something you probably don't really need to buy. jamie
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Florida
They have here the steering rack and pinion unit you need for $115 with free shipping and lifetime warranty. Just get someone to replace it for you or do it yourself if you are experienced, they even have tutorials on how to do it yourslef step by step, how to remove it and how to replace it.
http://www.steeringrackandpinion.com...ck-and-pinion/
http://www.steeringrackandpinion.com...ck-and-pinion/
Mine went in for a timing belt and came out with a quote for a new rack, as well as a new radiator (second time I have replaced it) and an AF Sensor, and a whole bunch of other "you should get this done" add ons.
I went to school for auto repair and do most of my repairs myself. I CANNOT BELIEVE that I spent this much money on a lexus and with 100k on it it needs $4k worth of repairs. Junk.
My last RX300 tranny crapped out at 115k. I think I am going to buy a ford next.
I went to school for auto repair and do most of my repairs myself. I CANNOT BELIEVE that I spent this much money on a lexus and with 100k on it it needs $4k worth of repairs. Junk.
My last RX300 tranny crapped out at 115k. I think I am going to buy a ford next.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
[QUOTE=veedubyer;7764860]Mine went in for a timing belt and came out with a quote for a new rack, as well as a new radiator (second time I have replaced it) and an AF Sensor, and a whole bunch of other "you should get this done" add ons.
I went to school for auto repair and do most of my repairs myself. I CANNOT BELIEVE that I spent this much money on a lexus and with 100k on it it needs $4k worth of repairs. Junk.
My last RX300 tranny crapped out at 115k. I think I am going to buy a ford next.[/QUOTE]
Haha, you think you`v got problems now?
I went to school for auto repair and do most of my repairs myself. I CANNOT BELIEVE that I spent this much money on a lexus and with 100k on it it needs $4k worth of repairs. Junk.
My last RX300 tranny crapped out at 115k. I think I am going to buy a ford next.[/QUOTE]
Haha, you think you`v got problems now?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: fl
Rack and pinion leak
I had our RX330 in at Toyota for its 95K oil change and the dealer told me the steering rack and pinion unit was leaking oil and will eventually be a dangerous situation. They showed me the leak, which was a wet boot.
This dealership told me that the entire unit had to be replaced either with a new or refurbished unit. They could not repair it. For the refurb unit, it would cost about $1400 including labor.
Has anyone had this happen to your RX? If so, what did you do about it? I'm very disappointed that this non-routine maintenance item failed with such a high repair cost. I know at nearly 100K miles anything can happen, but it still hurts. I wonder if there was ever a recall or TSB on the rack and pinion unit.
Because it's also time for a timing belt, water pump, and by the end of this year, new tires, I'm starting to think maybe trade-in is the best option.
Thanks for your suggestions.
This dealership told me that the entire unit had to be replaced either with a new or refurbished unit. They could not repair it. For the refurb unit, it would cost about $1400 including labor.
Has anyone had this happen to your RX? If so, what did you do about it? I'm very disappointed that this non-routine maintenance item failed with such a high repair cost. I know at nearly 100K miles anything can happen, but it still hurts. I wonder if there was ever a recall or TSB on the rack and pinion unit.
Because it's also time for a timing belt, water pump, and by the end of this year, new tires, I'm starting to think maybe trade-in is the best option.
Thanks for your suggestions.
I too have a small leak which is probably a worn seal.
You can purchase a re manufactured unit for around $300.00 and about 3 hrs labor plus re alignment.
I have already invested in timing belt along with planetary belts,plugs etc and still looks and runs great.
With no car payments it might be worth it to do the repair.
I have 150,000 and still going strong.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: TX
Replacement
I am pretty handy and would like to try this myself. The repair shop wants $970 plus tax. I found the part online. Does anyone have videos, diagrams or instructions on how to do this. Obviously I can get it aligned once I have it installed. Just trying to think outside the box of 1K. I have the AWD V6 2004 RX330 with 89K. Thanks
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: CA
mine is leaking as well. 181k. 05 rx330. I noticed a couple of weeks ago, at start up it was really loud. At first I thought it was something to do with the accessory belt (it was a little loose before), but today, when I went to the farmers market it was obvious it was the PSF and the PS (kind of a loud hum). It was below the low mark.
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 454
Likes: 73
From: California
mine is leaking as well. 181k. 05 rx330. I noticed a couple of weeks ago, at start up it was really loud. At first I thought it was something to do with the accessory belt (it was a little loose before), but today, when I went to the farmers market it was obvious it was the PSF and the PS (kind of a loud hum). It was below the low mark.
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: CA
It leaks both sides, when turned either way, all the way. doesn't leak (or not dripping to the cement leak) otherwise. It does make a sound all the way turned either way, not a good humming sound.
I will take the wheels off and take a look. Wierd, it just happened. didn't hit a skunk and from having sport cars I avoid pot holes. not sure what triggered this leak.
I am pretty handy, esp for gal. I work on all my car and motorcycles, and plan to take a class so can work on engines. But fluids, sensors, brakes n rotors and most basic electrical stuff I can do.
for 4 hours labor, I am curious what it entails. I have a great indy mechanic, he's a certified toyota mechanic gone rogue.
I will take the wheels off and take a look. Wierd, it just happened. didn't hit a skunk and from having sport cars I avoid pot holes. not sure what triggered this leak.
I am pretty handy, esp for gal. I work on all my car and motorcycles, and plan to take a class so can work on engines. But fluids, sensors, brakes n rotors and most basic electrical stuff I can do.
for 4 hours labor, I am curious what it entails. I have a great indy mechanic, he's a certified toyota mechanic gone rogue.
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 454
Likes: 73
From: California
Just remove passenger front wheel and plastic wheel well material to inspect pump. Rack and pinion can be viewed from under car pretty easily. At your mileage and symptoms I'm thinking it's the vane pump, but could be either, or both like mine.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 38
Likes: 10
From: Virginia
Be wary of Lexus dealers telling you that you need ANY service. When I had my dash replaced in 2015, I was told that my rack and pinion was leaking, and that my cams were leaking.
I immediately got the car up on a lift, and noted that the cam leak was nothing....a bit of residue from when the timing belt was replaced.
I then took a look at the rack and pinion leak. There was something on the boot, but I haven't lost any fluid in the 2 years and 35k since. Just to be safe, I added a little AT-205 to my power steering reservoir.
Long story short, the dealer told me I needed around $4k worth of recommended work, which was a total crock. My experience was another reminder of why I learned how maintain my own vehicles. I loathe dealer maintenance departments.
I immediately got the car up on a lift, and noted that the cam leak was nothing....a bit of residue from when the timing belt was replaced.
I then took a look at the rack and pinion leak. There was something on the boot, but I haven't lost any fluid in the 2 years and 35k since. Just to be safe, I added a little AT-205 to my power steering reservoir.
Long story short, the dealer told me I needed around $4k worth of recommended work, which was a total crock. My experience was another reminder of why I learned how maintain my own vehicles. I loathe dealer maintenance departments.
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