'97 - leaking steering bellows?

I have been slowly leaking steering fluid for some time. I have tried "Lucas Stop-Leak" to no avail. This is not my daily vehicle so I have not attempted to investigate the problem. I went to run some errands in it recently and noticed a pool of fluid under the right front wheel. Through my i-net searches I see that the steering bellows can leak fluid?
What causes this? How can I confirm the issue and suggestions on repair?
Thanks!!! John

 

^The bellows is just a dust boot for the inner tie rod joint. The shaft seal where the steering rack exits the housing will wear with age and cause the fluid to leak into the bellows. If the shaft seal leak is severe, fluid can drip onto the ground.

Need to diagnose it properly. If the pool is under a wheel, you sure it's power steering fluid and not brake fluid? Is the PS reservoir level going down?

 

Yes, it's power steering fluid and the reservoir level is going down.

 

^Cut one of the bellows clamps and see if there's fluid inside. Normally it should be dry. If there's PS fluid inside, replace the rack.

 

Can you please be more specific when you refer to replace "the rack"? My mechanic skills are very limited.

 

^If there's PS fluid inside the bellows, replace the whole steering rack & pinion assy. It looks like this



The part costs $300-500 depending on whether it's aftermarket or Toyota OEM, plus install labor and alignment.

 

Is this a complicated job? In other words, could I "you-tube" the install or should I trust it to a professional?

 

^Not complicated - the rack is a lot more accessible in the 3rd gen than in later 4Runner generations. However, being 26 years old, things like the steering shaft joint and fluid line fittings could be rust seized. A shop would be better equipped with air hammers and torches to deal with that. Going through a shop also makes warranty easier if the replacement rack develops problems.

 

Thanks for the advice! I'd hate to attempt the install and get stuck midway.