Anybody replace a steering assembly on a 2007 RX350? Mine is leaking, so I'm pretty sure I need to replace it. I can't find any links or instructions on line, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

It's out of warranty

 

Not a lot of fun... nothing ridiculous has to be removed, but nothing is what I would call easy access either...

Mechanically inclined, give it a go... It'll have to be aligned regardless when you are done...

 

How bad is it leaking? Mine has some weeping going on too, but I never have to add any fluid. So I dont worry about it.

 

a hoist is going to be very useful for this type of repair, i would be more inclined to find a shop with a reasonable rate, and research the best price possible on the replacement part (perhaps ebay).

save on the part, and lose on the labour.

in the meantime, i would monitor the loeak as close as possible, if you are only getting a drip every couple days or less, i would put it off.

 

I had mine replaced in December. It's an 04 RX330 and I bought it CPO 3 years ago. My mechanic found the leakage and I brought to the dealer to take a look. They examined and agreed to replace under warranty. Luckily the warranty expired 2 months later (Feb 2012). Anyway, my mechanic said since the leak was minimal he suggested just to add the PS fluid and I'll be just fine. If you don't mind with the leakage, there is no need to replace except for keeping an eye on the PS level and refill when necessary.

This whole rack and pinion assembly could cost over $1K w/ labor.

Best of luck to you.

 

I've never had to add fluid, but it leaks about a drop every other day. My garage floor is starting to look like I have an old British car leaking away on it. The internet seems to be full of instructions, but I've looked everywhere and still can't find any tutorials on how to replace one on my second generation (or even a first gen for that matter).

 

Just had my '05 RX 330 in to the dealer for an oil change. Service guy said my steering rack was leaking and needed replacing. Cost: $1600. After I told him I was taking the car home and would be looking at other options, he said they could use an after market assembly for $1100. I checked Sewell Lexus parts and a new oem assembly shipped to my door is $715. I'll be looking for a shop with decent rates to do the install, after getting a second (and maybe third) opinion.

 

When i do mine i'll do a writeup with pics. But it prob wont be for a while as mine is barely leaking

 

Is a leaking rack an indication that a seal is going to give way? I'm not sure if I want to wait it out, if that means posibly towing it home at some point.

 

racks will typically leak for a while before completely blowing the seal, but they can also blow a seal without ever leaking prior...

to give you some assurance though, even if there is no fluid in the system whatsoever, you will still have manual steering, which isn't bad so long as you are moving - parking lots can be a pain though...

 

alchemist- did you ever end up replacing DIY? There are detailed instructions here on CL for a rack and pinion DIY for an SC400. I wonder how much different it would be?

No leaks on the garage so far for mine- but the passenger side boot is destroyed (pic attached).

 

I have not done it yet. I started a thread asking for tips and there are some.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...hemselves.html

Where in tn are you? I may be able to help if you want to do it. Send me a pm.

 

Kind of embarrassing, but I'm still waiting it out with an oil stained piece of cardboard on my garage floor. I'm going to eventually change the rack, but I'm the type of weekend mechanic that needs to follow somebody's instructions/pictures. Hopefully some good ones will pop up on the web soon. I can't believe that there aren't more people with this problem.

 

My 2007 Rx350 has 71,600 miles. Last week I had a Toyota dealership in Fort Worth, TX, replaced the steering rack for $950.00 due to fluid leakage. At the same time the Toyota technician also resealed the front timing cover for $1680.00 due to oil leakage. I requested that the water pump also be replaced for another $350.00 since they had to remove the engine to reseal it. The Rx350 warranty had expired. Lexus dealership wanted $2500.00 just to reseal the engine. After replacing the steering rack, the steering is slightly stiff; I am used to the stiffness now.

 

Labor on that job is 17 hours, and parts alone at over 400 (all seals and stuff).

I'm raining on your parade, I know, but the dealer who did it cut corners and (probably) did a poor job.