Hi Scotty , I love all your videos and watch everyday. Thanks for helping all of us with such great content and knowledge. I have a 2016 Tacoma V6 automatic with 82000 miles on it. I recently had the power steering pump replaced because the dealership told me it was leaking. I took it to my mechanic who has been fixing my cars for years and he thought the same thing so he put a new power steering pump on but 3 days later the leak continues. Now I'm finding out that it was not the power steering pump but the timing chain cover that is leaking. I've read on some forums that this is a very labor intensive fix and can cost well over 1k! I'm over the 60k powertrain warranty and don't know if this fix is going to cost me a ton. I'm pretty disappointed as this is my 2nd Tacoma and I'm starting to get concerned with the reliability. Should I try something like At-205 for this?
Thanks again for all you do!
Steve
A proper diagnosis of the problem with a leak dye test to pinpoint the leak, instead of just guessing, would be my course of action. It may be something as simple as a valve cover gasket or more complicated like a timing cover leak or an intake manifold leak. I would want to know and not just guess at it before just throwing expensive parts and labor at the problem. Have you considered finding a different mechanic?
Thanks for the info Doc! I appreciate the feedback. It looks like I will have to look for a new mechanic. The dealership told me it was the power steering pump and wanted $800 to replace it. I took it to my mechanic and told him I suspected it was the power steering pump based off what they told me, he replaced it for less but obviously failed to properly diagnose the issue. I don't work on it myself too much so I'll have to start the search for a new mechanic. Thanks again for the feedback!
AT-205 won't do anything to stop a gasket leak, it's meant for rubber seals like front and rear main engine seals on the crankshaft.
As @Doc said, look for another mechanic. Mixing up the power steering fluid with engine oil is not a good sign for your mechanic.
