g35c

Hi everyone,

I just brought my 1997 ES300(133,xxx km) to my mechanic for an oil change yesterday and my mechanic told me that the power steering pump is leaking. He showed me the location of the power steering pump and it is covered with oil/fluids. He recommended me to have it changed asap as it would have a negative effect on another "expensive part" that I forgot the name of. I did my search both on google and here and there are a couple of different possibilities (such as the valve cover gasket leaking as it sits right on top of the power steering pump). The car currently drives fine with no noise from the pump or when I am steering.

1. How can I tell if it is in fact the power steering pump that is leaking and not others? I don't want to pay and get the power steering pump replaced, only to find out it is something else is leaking.

2. What will be the consequence if I do not replace the pump asap? Would it be okay if I just keep an eye on the power steering fluid reservoir on a daily/weekly basis? Is it true that if I do not get the pump replaced asap I would have to replace another "expensive part" down the road?

3. Around how much should I be looking at to have the power steering pump replaced?

4. Is it true that the Camry and ES300's power steering pump tend to leak?

Thanks for the input!

JamesBond1

I have the same issue, however, the "oil" on my pump is not power-steering fluid it's engine oil that has been leaking from my rear valve cover gasket and onto it. It made such a mess that it also made my oil pan seem as it was leaking, however, that's not the case...

Good luck

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

You can use a UV leak detection kit which I am currently using on my PS pump right now as well. Of course watching the reservoir level would work as well.
I hear its pretty common to happen with our cars, same with the leaky VCG. I would have that checked out too because thats even more common. Just changed mines front and back. New lexus pump about $250, I seen non OEM rebuilds around $130

mikeli689

I took my 96ES to get my power steering pump/line replaced and it cost me close to $2000 a couple months back. Today I noticed that there was leaking coming from the front but didn't have time to check to see what type of fluid/oil it was. It'd better not be from my power steering reservoir!

g35c

Thanks for the quick inputs everyone! Appreciated!

Does that mean... as long as there is a sufficient level of fluid in the power steering reservoir the car would be okay and not damage any other part of the steering system? This is my main concern as I do not want the leaky power steering pump to cause any other damage.

kaldES98

I paid around 400 dollars to get mine fixed on my old es300

g35c

Is there anyone that can tell me if I am correct with the assumption above?

Thank you for your inputs!

JamesBond1

IMO
Yes, as long as there is sufficient level of fluid in the reservoir, you're fine. Our power steering fluid is the same as transmission fluid and so its safer than most other oils. It most likely won't "eat" away at rubber or ruin wires unlike engine oil which can.

You should be fine...You'll just have a mess and you'll always have to check your level.

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

I heard its also ok as well with refilling as needed.

g35c

Thanks JamesBond1 and Maxx941! I will keep my eyes on the steering fluid reservoir.

What type of trasmission fluid is suitable to put into the power steering reservoir?

Thanks again for the feedbacks!