xis

I took my wife's 2004 RX330 to the dealer for a synthetic oil change. Bought it from them about 14 months ago.
Even though there were no leaks I could see, they also told me my steering rack was leaking and needed to be replaced (also around $1800-$1900).
I looked in the power steering fluid resevoir and it looked like it was full (from the outside). I took off the cap and it was basically empty and the line showing full was just a dirty oil line. SO - I filled her up and she started to leak bad...

I took her to an independent Lexus shop and they showed me that not only was the rack leaking, the high pressure hose was gushing. The mechanic blamed the old fluid and that it hadn't been changed / flushed. The oil turns 'acidic' and starts eating away at the seals and hose. (so they say)

So - a new high pressure hose and a rebuilt / refurb steering rack and a new alignement and she is back to being as good as new.... FOR NOW! Saved me about $900 or so from what the dealer would have charged...


Anyone else have these changed in their RX? Anything else I should be looking for?

Thanks!

mandyfig

Hence I periodically suck out my power steering fluid and fill it up fresh. Every oil change. Helps rejuvenate the fluid and can maintain the seals.

xis

That is a great idea. I was doing a bit of that before the change using the insides of an old squirt bottle.