Power Steering Pump leaking

[RichD978]

well jsut got back from the dealership. They sort of did a free inspection for me. They found out the Power steering pump is leaking. Its about 560.50 installed ($3xx for the part itself) Has anyone else encountered this? What happens if the pump goes, do i just lose power steering? Will I fail inspection? Is the 560 worth it? Any feedback or comments?

[Nyyankees3511]

If the pump goes, the steering wheel would be so hard to turn. Try local mechanic shops they are usually cheaper.

[CASTRO]

mine is a little dead too... it just keeps on leaking from time to time. Use bottles of stop leak/ or anything with a leak/sealer additive for a nice quick/cheap fix. I spent a total of 20 dollars for 2 bottles of that stuff in the span of 1.5 years. I know its not the right fix, but it works for the car and your bank account.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

From my celica experices: when i saw a puddle of power steering fluid under my car, i went to walmart and bought some thing sorta called power steering stop leak. That fluid got me by a year or so without the problem recurring (i went against the advise of consences back then). The problem came back a next year. At that time, it was the high pressure hose that needed replacement, a $40 part and it was all fixed. I know i do my drive belts with my timing belt (and one of those drive belts includes the power steering belt). I'm not sure what that $540 entails??? (high pressure hose + belt + something....???)

[Mole]

how many miles do you have ?

if you're nearing towards the 80k or 160k you should the timming belt tune up. you should get a new pump in the service package if going through toyota.

or you can find a local shop.

[offthahook]

Mine was leaking, too. There are a ton of used ones out there since our engines are in several cars. Funny, the service writer quoted me $560. I was like whoa... I asked him if they had a recuuring problem with the pumps. He said no. I asked him if I brought him a used one, what would the labor rate be? He said $285! I got a used one from a Solara for $35 with 30K on the motor. The yard even capped the hose fittings like they should be. I got the labor for like $50 from a guy I know. That may be an option-- no shortage of used PS pumps out there.