What kind of Toyota and what seems to be your problem.

ciao
Santana

I am not a mechanic, but I had the same diagnosis for a Tundra.

It was because the rubber bushings that support the rack are not serviceable.  However, the aftermarket had polyurethane bushing for my steering and it was a $30 expense and an hour of work.

I hope this helps, sorry if it does not apply.

Well I am not a certified Toyota mechanic but I have owned and worked on them for the last 15 years. I did see that a lot of other people have had a problem with the rack leaking on the passenger side even before the mileage you have. Reasoning normally for replacing the pump at the same time is your already half way there and as a precaution with debris that may be left in the old pump. 
A refurbished rack is around 300 bucks and a pump around 150. If its not leaking and the boots are not broken and it is not making too much noise with a full turn left or right then I would not replace it. If it is leaking then keep accurate measurements on the fluid level to to see how fast. It also depends on how long you want to keep the auto. Probably gonna cost at least 1500 from the dealer but if you have the tools, time and place you can easily do the swap yourself. I would recommend a alignment afterwards. 

You could also chat with Mark from The Cycle Path in Cornelius if my memory is correct he was a toyota mechanic for several years or at least probably knows someone if you need a second opinion,

ciao
Santana

santana wrote on 01/28/14 at 2:40am:

While not a "Toyota" mechanic, I did work on them and almost everything else for 20 years. LRAK and reniorbud gave the best advice. Sometimes racks can leak inside the boots first before they start showing it externally. If its worn bushings, do what reniorbud recommended. 

If its not pi$%ing fluid all over the place, making a lot of noise that you can't stand,  chattering/sticking when turning or affecting the performance/safety overall, then I wouldn't worry about.

Like they say..."If it ain't broke..."

The dealerships will err on the side of caution.

If they are recommending this repair it's probably because the mechanic sees wear or damage that's beyond the scope of normal. Of course in regards to steering components and other critical parts involving safety or loss of control, this is important.

No moving parts last forever.

You've got three options;

* Let them repair it.

* Let it slide until potential failure and hope for the best.

* Get a second opinion, like you are attempting to do here. Preferably at an independent repair shop. There's a good one in Waxhaw if you're near that area.

Henn Automotive.

They are likely to be cheaper than the dealership as well.

Or get a recommendation from somebody else that's convenient to your area.

Either way, absent an obvious problem it's a leap of faith no matter what you do in some respects. The most prudent course of action if it's an older vehicle or one that's seen a lot of action and you intend to keep it is to just replace the parts.