Five problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 1996 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Power steering rack & pinion gear and high pressure power steering hose begain to leak at about 70,000 miles. Dealer said these items need to be replaced. Now Toyota has issued a new part number for the power steering gear, which leads me to believe they realized there was a problem with the original part. 70,000 is way to early for such a failure. The repair is very costly. Parts alone for the repair are about $1400. The manufacturer should compensate.
Rack & pinion steering should not have failed at 70,000 mile - no warranty compensation.
Dealer service reps says to replace entire rack & pinion steering gear.
Car has been maintained at dealerships per Toyota's schedule; never been in an accident. 73,000 is too early for the rack and pinion to have an internal leak. Car has been well-maintained an never in an accident. Cost to repair the r&p $1500, company agreed to adjust it by $241. Black tar like substance leaking out of back doors. Don't know if it can be repaired.
Rack and pinion failed causing leak.