Three weeks ago a mechanic who was checking a power steering leak told me I needed a rack and pinion replaced on my 2004 Avalon with 137k miles. He showed me where there was a leak on the left side of the frame while we were looking down from the corner of the engine. He didn't actually put the car on a lift and check the rack.
I've been to two other mechanics and made the mistake of telling each of them that I think I need a new rack. They each put the car on a lift and examined it. They each found a bad hose on the left side which needs replacement as well as a bad rack and pinion.
Yesterday I was adding fluid to the reservoir and noticed a leak at the hose connection area on the reservoir. The bad hose and the leak at the reservoir are probably the source of the puddles I notice on the driveway under the car. I have an appointment for a rack/pinion and hose replacement tomorrow for $1100.
My question is this: How do I know I really need the rack replaced and not simply the hose? The only problem I'm aware of is a power steering leak. I'm leaning toward simply having the hose and reservoir connection taken care of tomorrow. Please comment.
Look at it. Ask them to show you the leak on the rack.
(The actual source, not a puddle where it's pooling. If it's leaking fast enough to make puddles on your driveway, then you should be able to see the fluid oozing out)
