1998 Toyota Camry RACK AND PINION STEERING LEAK

Tiny
KENDALL420
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
I took my Camry into a mechanic, but I'm new to the area and don't have one I really trust. I'd like a second opinion.
The Problem: I left my car sitting for a week (a month ago) & when I went to drive it again all the power steering fluid had leaked out. I re-filled it, but after 4 days or so, it would leak out again. I used leak sealing power steering fluid as a temp fix and kept a close eye on it to keep it filled. I took it in to an import auto repair shop and he looked under the hood. He said it was leaking from my rack and pinion steering and that it would need to be replaced. He quoted (w/ labor) $950 using new parts or $550 w/ remanufacturered parts. It seemed a little steep. I thought it may need a new pump or o-ring valve or something to that affect. But replacing the whole steering seems much worse. The car runs fine when the fluid is full. Not sure if I want to invest that much. Any thoughts?
Thursday, March 27th, 2008 AT 5:54 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

If the rack is leaking there is no quick fix, the rack must be o/hauled so a change over unit will be the quickest option, if you allow the rack to go on leaking you run the risk of damaging the pump if it gets too low on oil, I suggest you have the rack done, if it is the problem, if in doubt get a second opinion.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, March 29th, 2008 AT 3:26 AM

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