Toyota Camry 98 V6 power steering issues

I have Toyota Camry 98 V6 with 153K miles on it...recently it started making noise while running and power steering seems to be going tough and tough...I inspected it with my local toyota dealer and he informed that there is oil link in power steering assembly and claimed that it will require close to 1500 to fix the same...

My car engine and transmission is very good and it runs really nice...but I am not sure if I should spend this money or not...also I need this car only for one year...

I am not sure how to go ahead about it? Any suggestions will be really helpful.

Reply to
ajay.yerawar
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An oil leak in itself usually will not create the problem you describe, the noise you mention can be the pump being low on fluid, or internal failures of the pump or power rack and control valve assembly.

Check the power steering pump fluid level and if low use ATF Dextron II (Automatic transmission fluid). This is something you probably could do yourself, check in your owners manual. It's relatively easy to do.

Check or have someone check the belt and tensioner. It could be worn or slipping causing your problem.

If you really only need the car for a year, you could try finding the parts at a recycle or scrap yard and have them installed by someone locally. That is probably your cheapest way out. I would check another dealer or independent shop as well.

Fifteen hundred dollars seems a bit high to repair a leak. Were they going to replace the pump, or power rack, or just what? Did they give you a written estimate?

Reply to
user

If the problems go away after checking the belt and tensioner and filling the power steering pump reservoir, just keep the reservoir full, and you are done.

Reply to
Jeff

Thanks guys for your quick response...really appreciate it... I just checked my written estimate in details and it seems its not the leak that I am being charged for Here is the written estimate that is provided to me

  1. Rack N Pinion 798 (Aftermarket)
  2. High pressure power steering hose 623
  3. Alignment 99.95
Reply to
ajay.yerawar

I think you can get away with just replacing the component that is leaking. If the rack is also leaking, then all 3 are needed.

Reply to
Ray O

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