'04 Steering Rack - is my car fitted with VGRS? (1 Viewer)

[SMLE]

Hi folks,

2004 UK market Land Cruiser, I'm purchasing a new OEM rack however it's not clear whether my car requires the VGRS compatible one or not. I have seemingly also wiped my memory of how this car drives and can't for the life of me visualise if VGRS is a thing on this, it doesn't help the rack is very bad!

I'm imagining it does come with it, but any visual differences I can check on mine would be appreciated.

The local dealer didn't know which wasn't very reassuring!

I've had a search through older threads and some have suggested older pre-VGRS racks can be fitted but I want to fit what is actually required.

I'm going to plug in tech stream and see if it allows me to check VGRS but curious to hear people's thoughts.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[SMLE]

I've checked on techstream, and there doesn't seem to be any connection with VGRS module, so I'm leaning towards it not having VGRS fitted. Any other insights welcome! I will say it seems like regardless of speed, it's not super easy to steer, so I'm thinking that's a combo of the rack being done and no VGRS being fitted to it.

Thoughts?
Thanks

 

[2001LC]

In USA models, only the 03-07 LX have them. It's my understanding it a Lexus only product. But that's USA market! Toyota Japan manufacturing plant, built many configuration. Each variation of LC or LX, specific for destination.

In any case, ordering parts, using your VIN # assure proper fitment for your build.
Go to www.partsouq.com. enter your VIN#.

Using a non VGRS R&P in a VRGS system, is not really notice to driver.

Easy to tell is VGRS system:
Large boot attached.

Note: Above is a VGRS system, steering column. Where we see the snap ring has come loose and slip down the steering column shaft, sitting near VGRS boot of VGRS actuator. This was before snap ring recall service done!

The below picture shows where a Lexus mechanic. Did a hack-job during the VGRS recall service, cutting boot of actuator (#1 intermate shaft in VGRS system). Which was only "tip of the ice berger" in making vehicle unsafe to drive after recall service.

After snap ring recall service. (boot should not be cut)

Also Rack & pinion, have idenfing paint marks
VGRS R&P, have a black line painted on them.

LC 03-07

98-02 LC or LX

 

[SMLE]

Thank you thank you thank you!

So I had already put my VIN into partsouq (permanently open in my browser!) however it gave me both options.

I opted to check in the drivers footwell (different side to you lot over the pond!) and based on the pictures you kindly shared - it doesn't look like mine has VGRS (no big boot).

Would you agree based on the below pic?

Thank you

 

[2001LC]

Yes! Standard steering. No VGRS actuator.

Is that RHD?

 

[SMLE]

Yes! Standard steering. No VGRS actuator.

Is that RHD?

Yeah that's right, RHD!

Just attempted again to find the painted stripe and in the below pic you can just about make out the green stripe (bit more obvious in person)
Thank you for your help

 

[SMLE]

Dear @2001LC or anyone else familiar with these:

Received my new steering rack today from Japan but not sure if I should be concerned, and I'm interested for you take.

44200-60090 is what I ordered (green mark, suitable for my 2004, RHD, non-VGRS).
44250-60090 is what I received

I assumed it was a direct replacement of that original part number, but it has a blue stripe on the rack vs the green on mine.
I googled the part number and I've been presented with legitimate sites suggesting it's compatible (98-07, non-VRGS), and came across another which refer to it being remanufactured (which I obviously don't want).

Excuse shiny-ness in pics on some components, the bung didn't look secure so fluid has leaked a bit during transit.

Anyone shed any light on this?

Thanks!

 

[2001LC]

Go to www.partsoq.com with VIN# drill down on part. See if it subs.

I can't say, as we've LHD. But blue in LHD older type .. They mount differently.
Looks darker blue.

 

[SMLE]

Go to www.partsoq.com with VIN# drill down on part. See if it subs.

I can't say, as we've LHD. But blue in LHD older type .. They mount differently.
Looks darker blue.
View attachment 3824273

Thanks, partsouq suggests it's a substitute so hopefully all okay.
The older type blue has a bracket pictured which the green type and the one I have been sent doesn't, so I'm hoping all of this combined suggests it's good to go.

Am I right in assuming these come with some steering fluid in them already and then bunged with the rubber grommets?

Thanks

 

[2001LC]

No fluid. Just light coating of assembly oil. The plugs, keep clean and protect threads. Keep them in until R&P install, and ready to hook up lines

The color marks on pinion input shaft, boot and pinion housing. Are Rack centering marks. They work very well..