Power steering fluid leak during inner tie rod change

[bobo83]

Was finishing my suspension refresh today when disaster struck ... After removing the old inner tie rods, I turned the steering wheel all the way to the left and went to install the new passenger-side tie rod. That's when I saw power steering fluid leaking from inside the steering rack.

I quickly then centered the steering wheel and it seem to have stopped the leak. Quite a bit of fluid leaked on the passenger-side and much less on the driver-side. At the moment the steering fluid level is 5mm below the MIN mark.

What could have caused this ? Turning the steering wheel too much ? I did have the feeling that it went further than usual.

Did I really break my steering rack  ?
I have a full geometry set-up scheduled for Wednesday and I really wouldn't like to miss it as I'll have to wait 2 weeks for another one...

I want to try to top-up the power steering fluid and then check for more leaks... problem is that it is nearly impossible to source Toyota EH-PS tomorrow. Has anyone tried the Comma EXT steering fluid ? It claims to be compatible with Toyota EH and I can get it from gsf in the morning. Is there any other brand I could click and collect tomorrow ?

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Thank you.

[steve807]

When I replaced my power steering pipes last year I used this (2 days delivery via Ebay) - RAVENOL E-PSF Power Steering Fluid - 1 Litre.  So far no probs.

Major caveat is that I am not an expert but it is said to be recommended for Toyota PSF-EH. 

[Ardent]

It is the go to on here. I've just bought some. I bought mine direct from ravenol site.

[bobo83]

I would be more than happy to buy the recommended stuff but that will ground the car for two more weeks ... cannot drive it as all wheels are out of alignment. Might use whatever I can get my hand onto tomorrow and then do a flush in a week or two.

Does anyone know if it is likely that my steering rack seals are forever damaged ? The was short but in theory there should have been no leak at all.

[Carolyn]

I would be more than happy to buy the recommended stuff but that will ground the car for two more weeks ... cannot drive it as all wheels are out of alignment. Might use whatever I can get my hand onto tomorrow and then do a flush in a week or two.

Does anyone know if it is likely that my steering rack seals are forever damaged ? The was short but in theory there should have been no leak at all.

Don't do that.  An incompatible oil will eat the seals in the system.  You can mess up the pump and the rack.

[bobo83]

For the avoidance of doubt, this is the fluid I want to use for top-up:



It has the right references: Toyota EH and PSA S71 2710 that has been quoted in other threads....

[Ardent]

Just for ref.

Post by weds, but still might not be quick  enough.

https://www.ravenol-direct.uk/ravenol-e-psf-power-steering-fluid-1-litre.html

[Gaz mr-s]

For the avoidance of doubt, this is the fluid I want to use for top-up:



It has the right references: Toyota EH and PSA S71 2710 that has been quoted in other threads....

Usually by Mannol myself,  but yes Comma have it.

[Beachbum957]

We have been using Nissan 999MP-EPSF00P Electric Power Steering Fluid for years with no issues.  That is another option

[bobo83]

I have had to add only 50ml of the Comma fluid to get to the right level. Not ideal to mix fluids but then even when you flush the system you mix fluids.

The bigger question is why did it leak... I went for a short drive today and it seems to be okay so far.