diverchris

Hello,
Today I noticed PS fluid is leaking from the plastic covers on the right side of my vehicle. So I believe I may have to get some service done. Before I go to the dealer to have it looked as I did a google search and came across this TSIB:

2005 Lexus Rx330 Steering Service Bulletin 344122

NHTSA: Action Number: 10050660 Service Bulletin Number: 344122
Report Date:
Oct 31, 2012Component:
Steering
Summary: Lexus: steering gear assembly may be leaking oil from boots and information is provided for repair procedure. Models 2004-2009 rx330, rx350. *pe

Can anyone expand on this? If so is there a Canadian code for this?
Thanks in advance,
Chris

kiwi

service bulletins are not recalls and therefore Lexus will not pay to perform the repair. the repair falls under you pay, or warranty coverage.

i am guessing that since it is a 2005, you have no warranty, thus it will be customer pay all the way. i would be all means get a quote from the dealer for repair, but you may want to source a new Rack online and find someone to install. Ebay has them)

if you can live with the leak, it will at least buy you some time.

diverchris

Thanks for the response. Yes you are correct the warranty has expired by time and I have 160k miles on it. My question is, a service bulletin has been issued what is the purpose of it if the customer is still responsible for the repairs for a known problem.
Reviewing the TSB its for 2004 to 2009 models and this was published October 31, 2012; meaning most vehicles in this TSB would be well out of warranty.
My question is there any customer recourse for this situation and the TSB?

kiwi

the purpose of service bulletins are for internal use. they just happen to get outside of the respective manufacturers ( i know this because i was a mechanic at Chrysler and Acura). They are there for the mechanic to save time.

lets say you get your first power steering leak at a lexus dealer, the mechanic could do a quick check of service bulletins before even getting in the car, he now has a heads up what to look for and which parts are needed if it is the same problem.

its just a document to let people know it is a recurring issue. the TSB might be well out of regular warranty, but dealers sell lots of extended warranty and after market warranty too.

diverchris

Well I was wrong. The problem was not steering related. The problem was the line to the transmission cooler rotted through and that was the source of the leak. New line and no more leak. Less painful visit than expected.

Gordonrx

I just came back from the dealer today and heard the same problem with rack and pinion and steering leak. My quote for repair was $1,800.

RX330inFL

Try other shops, such as Toyota, to get other quotes. If you search the forums here you will find other discussion threads for the 2nd Generation RX where this was discussed and prices others have been quoted and eventually paid. Believe you should be able to do much better on that repair.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

Had the steering rack replaced on my wife's 2007 this week due to a leak; its has 72K on it. Quote was also around $1,800 but fortunately the CPO warranty picked up the tab.