allen75248

Took car to dealer for door lock issue under warranty and service mgr called to tell i had leak in rack and pinion. have about 86k miles.
Have not checked power steering fluid lately but in 4 year have not had to add fluid.

Could dealer be looking to make some money? Warranty claim personnel will be inspecting this week. Seems like 86k miles is too early for a leak. Your experiences are welcome.

thanks.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I found some seepage on my steering rack at 70k miles, but it's not major enough for me to be worried. I would get a second opinion before you commit to any repairs.

Wilson2000

Agreed, this is too early for a leak. Are you running wider tires than stock? Doing so can cause extra strain on the PS system. I had an Avalon that started leaking at 12-years-old, with 100K+ miles. It went for several more years with no actual drips and I sold it with about 140K miles.

If it is a weep, or a seep, the dealer shouldn't be calling it a leak. Technically it is a leak, but it doesn't have to be fixed until it is dripping (unless you are a stickler for these things).

Clutchless

Get a second opinion from an independent repair shop. Dealer's are notorious for turning a small seep that can be monitored into a several thousand dollar repair job because those guys work on commission and business is slow due to the Coronavirus.

It sounds like you have an extended warranty as you said warranty folks would be looking at it this week. Is that the case and if so, what kind of coverage do you have.

chuyrobles

Well, check fluid level now, then you can pass judgement. But, recognized that it only takes a small amount to show a lead that may not look low on the reservoir. Dealer is telling you what he saw; you can check for yourself if he is lying. Would you rather he not say anything? Did you follow up with questions, like, how bad is it? Is it safe to drive? etc...

Wilson2000

A weep or a seep is worthy of monitoring, so a dealer is correct to bring it to one's attention. That said, dealers shouldn't claim a weep or seep is worthy of an expensive repair. It may be fine for years, at which point, one may have already sold, totaled, traded-in the vehicle.