Steering racks can go bad???
I've never had it happen.
I've never had it happen.
About to become an owner of 2007 Avalon
- Thread starter AlphaOmega
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Well, its seals are made of rubber. Eventually they'll leak. At that point, resealing or replacing a rack are the correct solutions
You may want to see if it is possible to reseal that rack in-car. @nthach did one on a Sienna with me several years ago for the same concern. Granted, there was a TSB for this condition with a few part numbers just for this repair, but it would not surprise me if those seals are readily available.
Also, for an Avalon of this vintage, you may want to check for any timing cover leaks and the condition of the bank 1 VVT oil feed line.
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Is this what you are referring to? If yes, then it's quite amazing that Toyota warranties this issue so many years later. Deadline is December 31st, 2021
Yes.
can you send a picture of this leak? I have a 08 Lexus and the boot was leaking grease(very very thin grease) from the OEM bands not properly making a seal and as the boot was in perfect condition, removing the old band, putting in new cv axle grease and re-sealing using OEM bands usually fixes this issue, its a known issue and people replace the whole axle for it, and take it a timing cover leak when a lot of times it isn't, even though the timing cover leak is common as well.
The inner cv boots leak because the rubber gets hard and shrinks. Replacing the clamp usually does not solve the problem since the clamp’s tension cannot be adjusted. It is not difficult to remove the axle and replace the inner boot.
The timing cover usually leaks where the bank 1 head, block and timing cover intersect. I circled it in red:
This area is hidden by the p/s pump on models with hydraulic p/s. It is semi-commonly confused with a p/s pump leak.
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In my case the suspected leak is from the steering rack into the tie rod, not the axel
You are over-reacting. Just replace the boot and change the power steering fluid to MaxLife ATF, it has a seal conditioner in it. Watch the power steering fluid reservoir, I'll bet that the level doesn't go down. I did this on my Sienna several years ago and all is well (it uses the same rack). I have not had to add any PS fluid since I did this. Frankly, I didn't have to add any PS fluid before I did this. There was fluid in and around the broken boot, but it couldn't have been much. A little fluid makes a big mess.
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Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Agreed. If you don't have measurable fluid loss, just motor on. I had a 97' Camry with a leaky rack. The tie rod boots were full of oil. Didn't make any difference, no topping off needed.
Here are two actual pictures of the timing cover leak in the previously described location:
Timing cover leak - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) - Timing cover leak - Started noticing small drops of oil a few weeks ago under the RX. I checked the dipstick and oil level was well within range so I figured something just needed tightening. Went ahead and took it in for it's first oil change last Friday and told them...
www.clublexus.com
2016 RX 350 Oil Leak - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
RX - 4th Gen (2016-2022) - 2016 RX 350 Oil Leak - I just discovered my new RX fSport has been leaking oil. It just hit 2000 miles. It's in the shop now being reviewed. I'm gutted. Has anyone else experienced oil leaks on this new model?
www.clublexus.com
Toyota also had a long warranty extension on the dash pad for cracking. I think that it is now expired. To my knowledge, no other auto manufacturer has ever done this.
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I called a dealer. The recall the VVTi oil line was performed by the original owner back in 2011. There are no other outstanding recalls too, so I'm all good. Thanks for pointing it out though!
That wasn’t my point. Even the revised ones can fail. Check the condition of it and address if-needed.
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Were there several revisions of this oil line or just one, do you know?
No idea. If it really concerns you, just replace it. It is about $75 in parts.
Hmm I paid ~$35ish buying it online
2010 or 11 and up have the all metal line, replace with the all metal line
I didn’t know then mine is probably still leaking, as I just repaired the clamps on someone else’s suggestion, as this fixed the issue for him.
From a DIY online, axle removal seems like a PITA
15707-31030, list is $86.48
Axle removal is fairly easy as long as you have an air hammer.
