BBB Industries Remaned Steering Rack?

[fjryan]

Anyone have any knowledge about BBB Industries remanufactured power steering racks? As much as I'd love to get a new OEM or even a new aftermarket, it's not in the budget. RockAuto has them for ~$275 after sending the core back.

More Information for BBB INDUSTRIES 3110187

CruiserParts has the component also but the options don't make sense to me. It reads like it starts at $275 then I add $300 because I have an '03 then add more for high quality aftermarket or OEM. The description says that a core is not required but there is a core charge of $200.

Steering Rack & Pinion 98-07 [44250-60050 / 44200-60100 - U] - $302.50 : CruiserParts, The best place for Land Cruiser Parts!

CruiserParts Steering Rack & Pinion 98-07 [44250-60050 / 44200-60100 - U] - Steering rack and pinion kit for 98-02 100 Series Land Cruisers. NO Core Required. High Quality Replacement and New Genuine Toyota Options are available. If you have any questions about the item(s) that you may need...

shop.cruiserparts.net

I'll probably fire off an email or phone call to get a better understanding but I'd love to hear some first hand experience if anyone out there has it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[suprarx7nut]

03+ has VGRS - Variable Gear Ratio Steering. It's a feature that exaggerates steering at low speeds. It might change the higher speed dynamics as well, but the low speed difference is what stood out to me. Helpful in parking lots. Not needed, but a noticeable feature. It involves more components and drives a higher price tag in the replacement part.

I have no experience with any aftermarket options, but you're smart to shop around for info. It's a big job. Doing it twice because you bought a faulty assembly from a third party reman company would be a huge drag.

 

[2001LC]

As @suprarx7nut said ^^^^


Many re-builders and new aftermarket, don't realize (or care) the 03-07 LX w/VGRS are a slightly different rack & pinion form the LC 03-07
Note: 98-02 are different, but those years LC or LX use the same rack.

The LX 03-07 VGRS rack & pinion, is about double the cost of non .

What I have done on occasion, is: When I've a good gears in a VGRS Rack & Pinon, just leaky. I've taken to local re-builder and had them reseal. I ask for new OEM inner TRE and boots if needed. I ask they not paint. It cost more if they use OEM parts, as I request. But worth it IMHO!. We have CVJ here in Denver, which is considered one of the better. Many re-builders, paint them. This cover the paint strip color code. Which there are different 3 colors, for the different 3 racks & pinions of USA 100 series. So be on alert.

Also make sure your 03LX is up to-date on the 3 recalls. One is for VGRS in the 03-07LX. Main steering shaft can become disconnected from VGRS assembly under dash. Lexus will correct for free.

I think, I just found one that snap ring has come loose. Dangerous, If it is the one.

TSB VGRS steering main shaft snap repair repair

 

[fjryan]

Thanks for the input, guys!

@2001LC, I’m a DIYer and my local mechanic is a generalist, not a Toyota or Cruiser specialist. Should I just ask him about a re-builder? Are there specific questions I should ask in addition to not painting?

Thanks again!

 

[2001LC]

I

Thanks for the input, guys!

@2001LC, I’m a DIYer and my local mechanic is a generalist, not a Toyota or Cruiser specialist. Should I just ask him about a re-builder? Are there specific questions I should ask in addition to not painting?

Thanks again!

If new not in the cards, do to budget restrains. First consider is having yours rebuilt, if just replacing due to bad inner TRE, leaks and bad mounting bushing. Second buying a built.

FWIW: Black color stripe is on PS of a VGRS R&P

 

[fjryan]

Sounds good. Thanks, man!

 

[joshAUST]

I'd recommend rebuilding rather than replacing.
I replaced mine with an aftermarket one, and within 3 years it started leaking power steering fluid...
Fortunately I did keep the original, so I think I'll pay someone to rebuild the original.