MajorCommonSuspension

Lexus RX: Power steering rack leak — passenger-side outer seal (RX330/RX350)

Power steering rack leak — passenger-side outer seal (RX330/RX350) is a common suspension fault on the Lexus RX on the 2004–2009 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $1,200 to $2,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 21 documented faults on the Lexus RX.

Vehicle: Lexus RX
Years: 2004–2009
Fuel: petrol
System: Suspension

This page covers the Lexus RX as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Lexus RX faults21 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Steering rack yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The hydraulic steering rack on RX330/RX350 (shared with Highlander/Kluger) very commonly leaks from the passenger-side high-pressure outer seal, dumping fluid into the tie-rod boot where it hides until the boot rots through. Toyota issued a service bulletin (SB-10060695) with an overhaul kit for 2004-2009 cars, but once moisture and debris get in, most racks need full replacement. Watch for it on any car of this era.

What you would notice

Power steering fluid level dropping
Groaning or whining when turning, especially cold
Oily, swollen or split rubber boot on the passenger-side tie rod
Fluid drips under the front of the car

How to check it

Where to look. Steering rack behind the engine, passenger-side boot

Check the power steering reservoir level and fluid colour.
Under the car (or on a hoist at pre-purchase inspection), squeeze the passenger-side steering rack boot — if it squishes with trapped fluid or is oily, the rack seal has failed.
Turn lock-to-lock at standstill and listen for groans.

Parts involved: Steering rack.

What it costs to put right

$1,200 to $2,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Has the steering rack ever been replaced or resealed?”
“Does the power steering fluid need topping up?”

Now check the Lexus RX you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

Toyota/Lexus TSB SB-10060695 (power steering rack leak, right side)
Lexus Owners Club NA: 'Steering rack replacement/leakage' (topic 90131)
carspecmn.com steering rack leak write-up (Highlander/Sienna/RX330/RX350)

Lexus RX buyer questions

Is power steering rack leak — passenger-side outer seal (rx330/rx350) serious on a Lexus RX?

We rate it major and common on the Lexus RX. The hydraulic steering rack on RX330/RX350 (shared with Highlander/Kluger) very commonly leaks from the passenger-side high-pressure outer seal, dumping fluid into the tie-rod boot where it hides until the boot rots through. Toyota issued a service bulletin (SB-10060695) with an overhaul kit for 2004-2009 cars, but once moisture and debris get in, most racks need full replacement. Watch for it on any car of this era.

How much does it cost to fix on a Lexus RX?

$1,200 to $2,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Lexus RX years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2004–2009 Lexus RX. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Check the power steering reservoir level and fluid colour. Under the car (or on a hoist at pre-purchase inspection), squeeze the passenger-side steering rack boot — if it squishes with trapped fluid or is oily, the rack seal has failed. Turn lock-to-lock at standstill and listen for groans. Look here: Steering rack behind the engine, passenger-side boot