'03 LX - Steering Rack Bushings?

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super90

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Had the '03 LX aligned a few months ago. Everything in spec, then after three or four months, the steering wheel is askew off to the left by a very noticeable amount. In fact, it bothers me a lot ! No other steering issues. No one remembers hitting anything of any significance. Back for another alignment to protect my investment in new Michelins. Tech says it looks like the rack bushings are causing things to wiggle about and should be replaced and that is common on these rigs.

1) How can I be sure that is the case?
2) Based on the following thread, it appears OEM bushings are not available by themselves and one must purchase a whole new rack from Lexus/Toyota? Instead people are using Super Pro aftermarket bushings. Is this still the only option?

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/632687-replace-steering-rack-bushings-question.html

Jonharis, were you able to replace these on your '05 LC with the parts from OBT ? Is that the same rack as on my '03 LX?

http://obtusa.com/shop/article_TY%252003/SPF2987K---Steering-Rack-_-Pinion-Mount-Bush---Power-Steering.html?sessid=CXrnUdD6MTZSMeaG2QyF7g9QZvDSQGs5TJmBLgaeNR5nY64ZMD9kN6Way8ouTrmC&shop_param=cid%3D7%26aid%3DTY%252003%26

Thanks !

R.


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Update

Looks like the 2003LX bushings are the same per the following thread, post #12

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/420872-2003-lx-steering-rack-same-lc.html

Still wondering how to test the bushings, if there is no OEM bushing available, and tricks to replacing.
 
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Just a thought. park your truck on a stretch where you can drive it straight for a while. Then disconnect the battery for 15 minutes. Should reboot the VGRS system and straighten out your steering wheel.
 
The captured bushing in the rack (note the picture) is not available separately from Toyota.

picture.php
 
I think that pic is from the 2002 and earlier model trucks. 2003 and later model years have a different rack and bushings.


This should be the 2003 and later:

picture.php
 
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super90 said:
I think that pic is from the 2002 and earlier model trucks. 2003 and later model years have a different rack and bushings.


This should be the 2003 and later:

Click to expand...

That's not a picture from the Toyota catalog. The one I posted is. It is of a 2002 but I was just using that for reference. If you look at the pic you posted, it still doesn't offer that bushing separately. I'm just trying to help you out. You can buy that bushing separately aftermarket or buy a new OEM rack. Toyota has never offered that bushing separately.
 
Here's the 03. The bottom is kinda hard to read but it says:

"This part is not supplied as an individual part, because it is hard to assemble/disassemble due to the structure."

picture.php
 
Sam Stewart said:
Here's the 03. The bottom is kinda hard to read but it says:

"This part is not supplied as an individual part, because it is hard to assemble/disassemble due to the structure."
Click to expand...

Thanks Sam ! So aftermarket is still the only route. I'll have to order the SuperPro bushings from Outback Technologies (OBT)

Looks like another one of those jobs that tests one's patience, but is doable.
 
super90 said:
Thanks Sam ! So aftermarket is still the only route. I'll have to order the SuperPro bushings from Outback Technologies (OBT)

Looks like another one of those jobs that tests one's patience, but is doable.
Click to expand...

Yep. I haven't done one myself so I don't know if people are taking the rack out and using a press or what. Surely there is a write up somewhere on MUD! :wrench:
 
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