Power Steering Fluid Leak?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
From: new york
Power Steering Fluid Leak?
2004 Rx 330 57,000 miles: Suprised that I never checked power steering fluid level before but a driveway red oil drip between front tires made me curious. To my dismay, the fluid resevoir is under a large plastic cover in the engine area. Removing the cover meant destroying 5 or 6 plastic fasteners before the hood can be removed to check the fluid level. What a rediculous set up that really discourages checking this important fluid. Had to seach around for new plastic fasteners.
Power steerning Fluid level was ok (at lower level??) but I plan to have dealer check where the small leak came from.
Guess the leak can be from multiple sources, hope it is easily located and nothing serious.
Any comment about what should be checked would be helpful.
Power steerning Fluid level was ok (at lower level??) but I plan to have dealer check where the small leak came from.
Guess the leak can be from multiple sources, hope it is easily located and nothing serious.
Any comment about what should be checked would be helpful.
Tons of threads on this, do a search. No need to panic, its most likely coming from steering rack boot. You can see that by sticking your head in behind the front passenger tire. Check reservoir frequntly and rack only needs changing when it gets really bad where reservoir gets low very frequently. Removing engine cover should not destry fasteners, i think you did that wrong...
You canalways keep that cover off, its what i do.
You canalways keep that cover off, its what i do.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 14
From: California
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
Here is how you deal with the clips for the engine cover:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...uid-cover.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...uid-cover.html
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
From: new york
Alchemist: Thanks for reply. I have more qquestions: 1.) What will I see behind the front tire;the powersteering resevoir or the steering rack boot? 2.) Is it common for the steering rack to leak and is this something I should just plan to live with? 3.) If leaking continues what needs to be replaced the boot or the whole steering rack? 4.)What should a steering rack replacement cost if this is the worst scenario?
Hate to ask so many questions but just want to be prepared before I schedule dealer to find source of the leak ($55 labor charge). Thanks
Hate to ask so many questions but just want to be prepared before I schedule dealer to find source of the leak ($55 labor charge). Thanks
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I was just told by Toyota dealership that there was a PS fluid leak by the passenger side steering rack boot and the whole rack needs to be replaced for $1,500.00. No fluid on the floor yet.
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2007 RX350 AWD
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2007 RX350 AWD
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
From: new york
read above...you do not need to replace this yet unless it is really bad. Mine has been leaking for 25000 miles with no issues. Dont let them scare you into getting it done.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
2004 Rx 330 57,000 miles: Suprised that I never checked power steering fluid level before but a driveway red oil drip between front tires made me curious. To my dismay, the fluid resevoir is under a large plastic cover in the engine area. Removing the cover meant destroying 5 or 6 plastic fasteners before the hood can be removed to check the fluid level. What a rediculous set up that really discourages checking this important fluid. Had to seach around for new plastic fasteners.
Power steerning Fluid level was ok (at lower level??) but I plan to have dealer check where the small leak came from.
Guess the leak can be from multiple sources, hope it is easily located and nothing serious.
Any comment about what should be checked would be helpful.
Power steerning Fluid level was ok (at lower level??) but I plan to have dealer check where the small leak came from.
Guess the leak can be from multiple sources, hope it is easily located and nothing serious.
Any comment about what should be checked would be helpful.
I threw that stupid cover out! Serve`s no purpose what so ever.
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