Toyota Power Steering Problems | Everything You Need To Know about Common Leaks and How to Fix Them

A Toyota Specialist discusses Toyota power steering problems including common leaks and how to address them.
We're working on this 2011 Toyota Avalon today and we take care of a leaking power steering rack and pinion and a leaking power steering return line which are very common in many Toyota and Lexus model before they switched over to electronic steering.
TCCN Automotive Inc.
Toyota and Lexus Specialist Repair
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#thecarcarenut #tccnautomotive #toyota #lexus
0:00 Intro
0:48 Rack and Pinion Leak : Removal
4:27 How to Know If You Have a Leak?
6:35 Removing The Rack The Easy Way
26:41 Rack and Pinion Information
29:10 Installation Prep
30:33 Rack and Pinion Installation
48:30 Alignment Without an Alignment?
52:53 PS Return Line Leak : Removal
58:35 PS Return Line Leak : Installation
1:07:13 IMPORTANT System Bleeding Information
1:14:10 Final Thoughts and Tips

[@MrBull-zc6xt]

This is better than anything on Netflix.

[@unebonnevie]

And costs nothing :-) Netflix wastes time and teaches nothing!

[@Dat1derfulSound]

Dear Master Toyota Mechanic, I want to express my sincere gratitude for all the helpful videos you have created. They have been invaluable to me, and I haven't thanked you enough for your effort. Not only have they saved me a significant amount of money, but they have also allowed me to make high-quality repairs myself. From one very happy subscriber 😊👍

[@chatrkat]

This is one of my favorite mechanics on YT. My Toyota smiles headlight to headlight, we live a few miles away from TCCN. 😊

[@Silverdragon517]

Where is the garage?

[@Alan_S_M]

@@Silverdragon517 Homer Glen, IL.

[@wernerdanler2742]

You lucky dawg! 😂😅😂😂 😊😊

[@White03T4RV82WD]

@@Silverdragon517Chicago

[@stan9155]

I live in Lockport and drove by his garage, saw the sighn on door "car care nut" and was giddy like a little girl lol. My favorite you tuber, hopefully one day I will meet him.

[@gvran71]

I am the owner of the Avalon in the video with 66k miles. It spent its first 12 years in AZ. Its body and interior are stunningly clean. I had it undercoated in the fall by Yotaworks in St. Charles IL (Fluid Film). Very happy to have AMD’s shop a few miles from my house. We spoke about changing the original spark plugs at some point in the future. Hope to get this cruiser to 200k and beyond.

[@rightlanehog3151]

As a Canadian, I am thrilled to hear you are taking proper preventative care of the Avalon's body. AMD and his crew will expertly handle all the mechanical work. 😁

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@efil4kizum My Toyota exhaust is 19 years old and holding strong. I wonder if the Krown Rustproofing over-spray that hits it every year is helping .

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@efil4kizum It burns off but may leave a little helpful residue.

[@robmalcolm8042]

If a Prius can do that even with a worn out hybrid battery a Avalon can for sure. I wonder what’s more bulletproof tho the power steering or electric cause my electric steering at 242,000 still functions fine.

[@robmalcolm8042]

@@efil4kizumyou need that krown 👑

[@rog8201]

It’s been about 9 years or so since the dealer gave me an $1800 quote for the replacement in my 2008 Sienna. I had the same torn boot but wasn’t leaking much. I used bars leak and replaced the boot for $20 myself. It’s still running fine almost 10 years later. AMD did such a great job showing this I might end up doing it myself someday. Thanks again for sharing your expertise with us part time mechanics. You’re the best!

[@dr1johnson]

Was replacing the boot very hard? I just bought a 2007 Sienna, and it failed VA safety inspection from a leaky steering boot, I think. I haven't seen it for myself. The owner drove it in my yard, told me of the rejection, we made the deal, he took his tags, so I knew it had this problem. But I think I will have to at least replace the leaky, broken (I assume) boot.

[@samhoskins8706]

​@@dr1johnsonreplacing the boot is fairly easy. I did it on my RX330 Lexus. The right boot was all deteriorated and I thought it was from oil leaking from the valve cover. However, this shows me that is probably the rack leaking. I think there are videos on how to do it, but it's easiest if you remove the tie rod end. I found some steel zip ties on Amazon. And that's what I used to clamp it in place on the fat end of the boot. To me, the hardest part was getting the wrinkles out of the boot once it was installed. I will keep an eye on it and see if it falls apart again, then I will consider replacing the rack.

[@blue52851]

I too got the torn boot on my Camry, and replaced just the boot and the powersteering fluid, along with adding "leak stop" to the reservoir. No problems for years, since then.

[@mikegamble1457]

@@samhoskins8706thanks, my RX330 has a torn boot as well. I’m assuming the new boot doesn’t come with clamps? Can you share the link to the ones you got?

[@samhoskins8706]

​@@mikegamble1457Amazon metal zip ties

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, 2011 was the second last year of the popular, comfortable, 'grandpa' Avalon. In 2013 they made it sportier, sleeker and lower and sales began to tank. 🤨 Once fixed, I hope this classic Avalon has many more smooth years ahead of it. 🤞🤞

[@lugburz7539]

2013+ Avalons have electric power steering, so less leaks.

[@johnconway8999]

@@lugburz7539 My 2010 Venza has electric power steering also. Happy for that.

[@gjm3525]

Great advice on bleeding the power steering pump. Easy for anybody at home too.

[@Mike-ht1ou]

It is sad that most mechanics will rush cars out the door and never have the kind of workmanship we just witnessed here.

[@RunAway888]

God broke the mold when he made you 👍 These types of videos are so essential for my attempt at DIY over the years. Priceless!

[@bohdanked]

My first ever car repair job was about 15 years ago changing a Rack and Pinion on '97 Chevy Cavalier. I haven't even done an oil change before. Took me two days, a few busted knuckles, steering fluid sprayed all over my garage when trying to bleed steering system as the repair manual suggested. But at the end all worked out. Except the tires worn out a year later as I could not afford to do the wheel alignment. After that I'm DIYing all my car maintenance and repairs. Wish at that time there were channels like this to explain and share tips on doing similar jobs. For a beginner just a repair manual is not enough.

[@MrCalifornia1234]

I did this on my 2000 tundra last month in my driveway laying on my back with no power tools. Took me 4 hours and I saved 3K.

[@robmalcolm8042]

Dam I know one time and I was barely mechanical and I did a door by myself for a hyundai Elantra 2005 I couldn’t believe I did that since you need two people to line it up

[@nairblooc]

I did this job myself on a ‘12 Avalon. I did the job myself because the shop that I had been going to at that time really tried to fleece me. Quoted $600 for the Rack and pinion, not including the tie rod ends, which they quoted $100 each. Then there was the labor. 6.5 hours. I did the job myself for less than $300 tie rods included. But it was a pain in the butt job for sure. Took two days of me taking my time.

[@steveblitz4913]

I watch and love every video you produce even though I'm a Subaru Forester nut. LOL I would like to give credit to your man who does the video work for all the repairs. He does a wonderful job and always gets into those tight spaces. You guys are an asset to KZbin. Thank you.

[@_analog_photo]

I am sure this is more detail than videos from Toyota academy. So much important hints and advises, absolutely awesome.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

I truly love these types of videos . I know it’s a lot of work for you, but these are gold for people who are diy . Thank you 🙏🏻

[@mervwhitney7229]

Another interesting masterclass, demonstrating your professional attitude towards maintaining the car for your customer. Well done

[@jdub976]

This was perfect temp is around 18 outside so not going out there today. Long video was exactly what I needed today. Thank you. Outside is only for important stuff today.

[@yunus_aros]

Greetings from Sweden, akhoi! I am happy to see you finally invested in the induction heat tool we were talking about a long time ago, AMD! I still love your channel and I am enjoying the effort you put into it. Take care! 😊

[@billc7211]

Really appreciated the real time bleeding demonstration of the power steering fluid. Excellent guidance that I will take to my next power steering fluid change at home.

[@brianwhitney9181]

Just something like brake clean and he makes sure the customer has the choice on cleaning the under body or not. That speaks volumes for me about every detail when dealing with his customers.

[@alancox8466]

I love your videos ! Thanks for showing the world that there can be honest and hard working car mechanics out there.

[@jasonyurrrr9994]

My 06 Avalon was the best thing to ever happen in my life, may she rest in piece I’ll have another one soon

[@Boatfisherz1]

One of the best mechanic channels, and I'm just a garage tinkerer. Great quality audio/video and love all the details. keep up the good work.

[@davidray3558]

You have saved people save thousands of dollars with your videos AMD! You are The Button In The Cap Of Perfessionalism! May the Lord continue to heep blessings on your business and private life! I thank you Sir!

[@jean-pierrelutsheto6386]

As an owner of the same exact Avalon, I’m so happy to see this masterpiece of video. Thank you AMD and team!

[@JamesWong-gl3no]

I love this mechanic logical thinking while working on his job...excellent attitude and so professional...thumbs up for keeping up all the good work done...my favorite show! I drive my Rv4 for more than 25 years now and still running great! Only 209k km!

[@52t99]

This is such a timely video. Just spend a handful of dollars to replace the rack and pinion on my 2004rx330. It started with a high pitch whining noise when I turn on the car in the morning. Turns out the PS fluid was low and there is a leak on the rack. Mechanic found oil puddling in both boots. Long story short, need a new rack. Thanks for showing what was done for all the $$$ I spent. 😮

[@michaelcalder9089]

You are a great communicator. Always insightful.

[@johnspecht7449]

I just want to stop for a minute and thank you for the video’s. I have been watching for quite a while and I see that you now have almost one million subscribers! Your video’s deserve that. Thanks for all you do. You are a rarity, a completely selfless, honest good man.

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏👏👏

[@charlesburdette7497]

Love to watch this guy explains everything as he goes through the process what to expect he makes it look easy

[@poorboyman5565]

Last Sept. I had to change the rack and also all the power steering lines on my 2000 AVALON. THE rack was leaking for a while and to my surprise the return line burst and thats when i found out all the lines were corroded to a point of no return. The car has almost 300K on it and living in Mass. rust is expected and not having a garage doing the job on my back in my driveway was not easy. I found the biggest problem was to remove the lines from the rack because they were bent and I could not turn the nuts out they came that way from the factory. I really enjoy your videos.

[@pawashie]

excellent video as always, it's a pleasure to watch a professional do his stuff.

[@larryhope8943]

hello from Barbados. love and learn so much from you. thank you

[@Strawman333]

Wow. What a beautiful place! The surf is amazing too! Take care.

[@bch5513]

Yeah. My wife's electric power steering confused me for a WHILE looking for the fluid reservoir... 😅

[@frandyperez8492]

I have always owned Toyotas but somehow i ended up buying 2 Hondas and will keep for little while.I always enjoy your videos because I know I am eventually going back to toyota even in depth videos like this one. I just enjoy your attention to detail and explanation of why you do certain things certain ways. Thanks for all the great content.

[@robhunter2435]

I do not own a Toyota but do love watching your videos. Lots of good info for even non Toyota vehicles

[@Shododaan]

Using the Milwaukee like that.... around here we call that a "neutral drop" in an homage to the wrong way to launch an automatic transmission car =) You provide so many tips to make this job approachable by a novice is very much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your depth of knowledge.

[@ZONIAN955]

Love to watch a pro work. Learn so many things. Thanks. Like the uniform.

[@JohnChuprun]

Wow, excellent tutorial. I have this exact problem and couldn't ask for a better walkthrough.

[@CarsYouCanFix]

Well done AMD! Great presentation and explanation!

[@spedison_3824]

thank you for another great video!! sadly the my rack and a few of the lines are leaking on my solara, this video is a huge help with lots of tricks on how to replace the parts with less hassle

[@MightYoungJoe]

Thanks @TheCarCareNut I could have used this video 6 Years ago. Keep up the Good work.

[@Len10293]

Your skills set never stop amaze me! Wow

[@TB-ki1ux]

Thanks for sharing your impressive knowledge and insights, you are appreciated!

[@patriciax2408]

I love and learn so much from Mr. CCN😊

[@marcprobin1659]

I like the detailed steps you take. Keep it up!

[@BrucifyMe]

AMD, as an owner of a 2011, its almost like this video was made for me. Thanks so much!

[@jdesaavedra0432]

The one and only time I experienced a seal failure was on a 1984 Volvo, many years ago. I quickly discovered that Volvo provided a replacement seal and bushing assembly. About an hour into this DIY I was putting the front tie rod back on and cleaning up the spillage. I loved driving that car but it was a mess for maintenance and component failure. That car convinced me that Toyota was the best alternative.

[@peterkwok9608]

Thank you AMD for such a detail job. Always enjoy watching your videos 😎😎👍👍

[@NightHawk512]

Watching AMDs videos automatically adds more lifespan to our Toyotas and Lexuses :)

[@g.fortin3228]

That temp alignment tip is great...never knew that. Amd you always explain things very well !! Great vid as always :- )

[@javierclift9991]

Professor Car Nut, thanks for such an informative video.

[@borneo60]

Great video and thank you for your expertise! Very valuable info and learnt a lot from this. Cheers from West Coast Canada!

[@srandyt2]

Please discuss what the clock spring is and what it does sometime. Thanks for all the good instructions. I have seen your induction torch used to silver solder tubing.

[@arthuraucar3696]

Very informative video.! Especially centering the rack, and bleeding procedure.. thanks again.

[@Fredkruge]

Separate problem about a different vehicle that I'd like to see if you can comment on in a future video, some issues with newer generation RAV4s having problems with their power lift gates. Two main problems that I've read online are the hatch hinge failing and the power lift gate motor failing/ having problems. The one I'm experiencing myself is the power lift gate motor seeming to have a problem with cold weather (non freezing temps). Appreciate the good videos you make 👍

[@flyingsodwai1382]

Thankyou for sharing knowledge. You are a good kind of person.

[@jaj145]

im an apprentice tech at a toyota dealership and i just did this job on an 06 avalon (which im conviced time traveled because it had almost no rust for an illinois car) about a week before you posted this video. i was lucky to have experienced journeyman techs to advise me (and more than a handful of repair manual readings from TIS). since i was replacing the passenger cv axle as well, i disconnected both swaybar links, loosed the swaybar brackets a bit and could just swing it up instead of dropping the subframe. it was definitely a challenge to do for the first time.

[@joaomarceloam]

This is by far the best KZbin channel

[@riceburner4747]

You make it look so easy. You are so thorough! If I were the owner, I would have had u replace the yellow reservoir. 👍

[@sottilavong]

Thank you! I like the you are straight forward and honesty! You are a gem!!!

[@Fry_Burglar]

I have an 05 Avalon I need to do this to. Thanks for the video!

[@tigerteff015]

Its rare to find a garage where you have total confidence that have guys like this to repair your car.

[@joelegana1866]

AMD, I've been watching alot of your clips since recently "discovering" you! Your knowledge and information you share about Toyota and Lexus are on point, and watching how you perform the repair process shows some of what TMC/Toyota motor corporation trainers/instructors preach: "Constant Improvement" in all aspects. Organized, clean, professional, and accurate to name a few. You reminded me of myself, we have many things in common. I was also a Toyota/Lexus technician for a Dealership for 14 years where I was 20 years old when I started. I've been to various Factory trainings since I was 23 certifying as a Toyota Master tech in the prior Toyota team training system, then Toyota certified instructor at 28 where I trained techs in our dealership on technical and new model vehicles. My trainigs I've been sent to were Sydney, Australia for Toyota, Nagoya, Japan for Instructor's and new model vehicles, and Irvine, Cal for Lexus. Sorry I over commented, but my intentions was to comment on the stabalizer link that was stubborn. Isn't the end an allen wrench where it can be held from spinning (might be a 6mm)?

[@youngb1ood]

The very close alignment was amazing. I wanted to see how you made the actual adjustment

[@57Dalv]

Fan of your channel but no reason to watch repacing a rack on a car I don't own for almost 1.5 hours but I was captivated for the entire video. Your talent for explaining the steps is remarkable and yes, we could see the alignment of the tires as Jose did a great job with the camera. Keep up the great work and I''ll be watching. We plan on looking at a new Highlander Hybrid when I retire.

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏

[@whiteshark5036]

I love your videos, keep up the great work!

[@thomassalamonsen1759]

Thanks for showing jobs like this ! some of us find this very useful to save some money and learn from you on Toyotas.

[@christophermerritt5813]

AMD, thank you for this video and info. I love how much more detailed you are than most. Question, though.... is a 22 Rav4 hybrid similar to this process?

[@carla6872]

Excellent tutorial! Many Thanks

[@agostinodibella9939]

Whenever I have to remove lines, I like to spray PB Blaster where the line goes through the nut to help free it. Also when replacing it, smear some grease on the line, and try to move the nut over the grease to keep it from seizing to it.

[@johnmattiazzo3900]

Imagine if more more people in rusty land undercoated there vehicles how long there vehicles would last car looks brand new underneath amazing

[@emiliog.4432]

Good thing I have EPS. The only parts I need to worry about are inexpensive. The U joint and tie rods.

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Great camera work!!! 👏👏👏

[@spankyham9607]

As a shade tree or drive way mechanic, I appreciate you include us DIY mechs in your videos.

[@Justaboyonhisphone]

Thank you so much AMD for sharing your knowledge and experience to us (DIYer). you save us a lot of money! i just replace the steering power on our Sienna with 199k miles on it. However, i missed to center the mark before installing. Now, I believed it's the reason why it has a wide left turn than right turn. I will redo it!!

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

I had to rewind few clips to see and understand. Really doesn't look very hard. Of course I don't have a lift and will be under the car, that's a challenge by itself 😂. Anyway, the last time I was at your shop you pointed out a small wetness on the rack, so I will use this video to replace it.

[@JoseHernandez-rl4xu]

Dear Sir, I've only seen a few of your videos from which it's obvious the full transparency, honesty, and good will coupled with knowledge only found among few and far in between; needless to say I am very glad and appreciative for your channel. Because of your absolutely meticulous, honest dedication to your work which speaks of "I don't believe in doing a job twice, so I will only do it right or not do it at all" I find myself having to ask you: Where is your shop? It's aIso obvious to me that we are not just a few miles away from each other but I don't mind spending the time to get to someone who knows what truly needs to be done, and I know you would fix it RIGHT.

[@tomdiep3750]

You help us DIY learn new tricks the right way and a lot newer Toyota and Lexus is much compact and sensor build in it appreciate your video hope you have more customers.

[@JamesSusanka]

had a 98 corolla only 65000 miles bought new and kept care of it and the power steering started leaking. really was a weak point with the older toyotas but thankfuilly the electronic powersteering seems to be solid.

[@Ericpwp]

Great video AMD! Thanks!

[@jamesgichuhi2174]

Hey 👋 from Kenya 🇰🇪

[@mikelewis4792]

Hi - very informative- thanks!!!

[@bodymandh]

Thank you for your time and consideration

[@kack7130]

Expert, respect. Is there anything in this world, easy and straight. Fixing car is very tricky, thanks god, it is toyota, it is a very long life.

[@jamram9924]

Over a period of years, our shop has flushed power steering systems between 30-35,000 miles. We’ve employed a full synthetic power steering fluid by Lubegard. Two quarts of fluid through a suction machine helps remove burnt fluid and contaminants from the power steering system.

[@dustinf9901]

If you undo both sway bar links from the struts and then zip tie up the passenger side, you don't need to undo the sway bar bushing brackets. And if you get a good swivel 19mm socket and extension you can undo the mounting bolts, and wiggle the rack while pulling and pushing the bolts out, without lower the subframe. Done a lot been at a toyota dealership for coming up on a decade. Also the lines going into the rack if the nuts are sticking and can't be turned by hand a deepwell socket and impact spin the nut while pulling pushing the line back and forth to clean any rust or corrosion off the line.

[@mariojuarez9566]

Nice work. you are a true master Mechanic.

[@jimcharb4230]

Great job AMD!!!!

[@johnb1658]

I found with sway bar links that as long as it threads off a little bit you can run the nut back down and every time you go from tight to loose it goes a little further and comes off after 8-9 tries.

[@unebonnevie]

My Honda of 200K miles had this problem. It was annoying as heck! I kept losing power steering fluid overnight, unless I started the car every 5 hours, which apparently minimized the leak. I replaced the whole rack & pinions including the outer tie rods. Lexus cars, at least my RX450h, have electric power steering, so no hydraulic leaks of power steering! *IMPORTANT:* On my Honda, there is a power steering pressure switch, I had it replaced as well when replacing the rack & pinion.

[@zahidbuzdar9097]

great effort to show all these , Hats off for you sir. (from Pakistan)

[@SheerMagnetismDarling007]

Very nice work 👍 Nice car , very comfortable and great value 🚙

[@earlmccoubrey7580]

I’m aghast at the high quality of this video. It makes my want to go buy a Toyota and work on it.

[@Michael-yi4mc]

I tighten the rack line before I tighten the mounting bolts to the rack. You can move the rack around to fit the tube lines.

[@Michael-yi4mc]

I just bought a new clock spring for my 2000 Sienna OEM. It cost me 400 dollars. Take AMD’s advice on locking the spring with the seat belt.

[@craigiefconcert6493]

My question was what about doing it on the floor and great you mentioned it. My 2006 Camry does have a leaking rack. I assumed it was minor. I’ll look closely at those boots. I don’t want to pay a shop who will drop the subframe or at least charge the full book value for that. I’ll have to build myself up to that skill level when the time eventually comes. The racks cost $$$ I believe. I’m really glad you talked about when it’s needed! Oh darn. They just bought the car. Should have had AMD do a pre purchase inspection and may have been able to negotiate say at least half the cost of the work off the price.

[@herbward5240]

Every time I get in and out of the wife’s 2013 ES350, I hit my head. That’s why I recently purchased a 2004 Avalon XLS with only 84,000 miles on it. The roofline is 2 to 3 inches higher , and the car is much quieter because of the JBL stereo. And yes I’m a grandpa now…lol. Best part , my baseball cap mostly stays on my head. But I still have my Mazda Miata which has MAX headroom !

[@rightlanehog3151]

This generation of Avalon was the last Toyota sedan with generous headroom. In those days even a tiny Yaris had more headroom than most Toyotas today. I hope some day headroom comes back in stye.

[@Fundaykidzz]

Another great video please do a video on vsc speed sensor etc on 2011 toyota sienna … my wife’s van just went nuts !! P0500 code speedometer stopped working heater ac fans went to full blast etc etc …HELP !!!

[@jerryq1000]

Another great video.

[@mesare]

Do you know what is scary? The thought of doing the complex, master-skilled jobs that you do. At the same time it is so fascinating watching you take apart a Toyota system - engine, steering, even unclogging a drain - and putting it back together. The cerebral engineers who designed these cars should watch your videos. Thank you for all you teach us.