Toyota / Lexus Rack And Pinion Replacement - Power Steering Fluid Leak?

This video will show you how I replaced a leaking rack and pinion assembly on a 2006 Toyota Avalon. Lexus and Toyota vehicles generally have the same layout design with differences in the location of the power steering fluid supply and return connection points on the assembly. Aside from that, the assembly's two mounting points are on the sub frame.
The customer noticed a constant fluid drop in his power steering reservoir along with noise emanating from his power steering pump when the fluid level dropped too low. The inner tie rod seals from both the left and right side of the rack were leaking into the accordion tie rod dust boots. Power steering fluid leakage was verified by removing the boot's outer compression clamps followed by squeezing the boots (as shown in the video). After months of replenishing the reservoir with power steering fluid containing a stop leak additive did not help stop the leakage.
A re-manufactured replacement rack and pinion assembly was purchased in lieu of replacing worn, leaking seals. The time and effort to replace the seals along with new boots and inner tie rods didn't seem worth it. The cost of the re-manufactured unit can vary between $250 to $600. The labor time can vary based on your tools and skill level.
After installation of a new assembly, a front end toe wheel alignment is required.

If you'd like to make a donation to the channel, please follow the link below: https://paypal.me/HardlyMoving?locale...

Parts & Specialty Tools:

Permatex 22058 Dielectric Tune-Up Grease, 3 oz. Tube
https://amzn.to/35ssM7K

GEARWRENCH 3 Pc. Double-X Hose Grip Plier Set - 82107
https://amzn.to/3gYhVDM

Car Hose Removal Plier Tool - Angled Auto Fuel and Vacuum Line Tube Hose Remover - Separator Pliers Pipe Repairing Tool
https://amzn.to/3dBV1jw

Dynamic 3/8" Drive 10 Piece Metric, Flare Nut Socket Set, 10mm -19mm
https://amzn.to/3dF25fA

MOUNTAIN 5 PC Metric Flexible Reversible RATCHETING Wrench
https://amzn.to/2UcCLG0

REBUILT RACK AND PINION UNITS:

Cardone 26-1690 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
https://amzn.to/3DAU4Xn
LEXUS ES300 1997-1998
TOYOTA AVALON 1997-1999
TOYOTA CAMRY 1992-1999

Cardone 26-2606 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
LEXUS ES300 2002-2003
LEXUS ES330 2004-2006
TOYOTA CAMRY 2002-2006
TOYOTA SOLARA 2004-2008
https://amzn.to/3gXeYn2

Cardone 26-1617 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
LEXUS ES300 1999-2001
TOYOTA AVALON 2000-2004
TOYOTA CAMRY 2000-2001
https://amzn.to/309vRVN

Cardone 26-2632 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
TOYOTA AVALON 2005-2012
https://amzn.to/3eTfS2g

Cardone 26-2630 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
LEXUS ES350 2007-2012
TOYOTA CAMRY 2007-2011
https://amzn.to/378WU4X

#toyotarackandpinion #rackandpinion #powersteeringleak