Help, I'm about to replace my Rack & Pinion!

[Balto1223]

Since this is the same area, I was wondering if anyone has replaced the U Bracket that holds the rack down.. When I turn my wheel, the whole rack actually moves. I'm hoping I only need to replace the U bracket.. Dealership wants a lot of money for it, but I may have to go that route. Thanks.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[adrenalinefjz80]

If you have an early rack, you can replace the D bushing under the U bracket. I have not heard anyone replacing that bracket though.

 

[dfrelich]

The click could be a bad spot from not ever rolling past that position. Not sure what your seeing, but I doubt it's a real concern.
I'll check mine when I get the rack out. (I'm currently in Miami and plan on starting on it this weekend.)

Took off from work today to finish the project I went ahead and reinstalled my shaft. I turned the steering wheel and felt no clicks or anything. If there's a problem down road, I can always replace it.

Need to the rig to the alignment place this week.

 

[Balto1223]

Actually I'm trying to replace the U Bracket grommet. I'm trying to figure out how to go about that.. I don't want to have to lift the engine.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[dfrelich]

You can do the bracket without lifting the engine. It's the other bolts that would be difficult.

Suggest do penetrating oil before tackling the work. Hard to do so with hand tools, unless you have impact wrench.

 

[Balto1223]

I've got another question, the rack should be completely solid, right? It shouldn't move at all when turning the wheel? When I jack the front end up off the ground, and push the tires left and right they have play, looking closer the rack is moving with it, which is what I'm thinking is causing the play.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[dfrelich]

Shouldn't have too much play. If your rack turns nicely. Perhaps replace bushings and grommet.

 

[Balto1223]

I have a new grommet.. But I have no clue how I'm gonna change it out. Any ideas?


...via IH8MUD app

 

[00N8]

For those of you that replaced the bushings only, would you have just gone ahead and replaced the gearbox too?

 

[timberwilde]

I took my 2000LX in for an alignment and was told the bushings (total of 3) on the rack and pinion were shot causing it to move side to side. The large one (44250) appears to be the one in the U bracket (45514). I was told that the other two were not serviceable and therefore required a complete r&p replacement. Is this true about the other two not being serviceable? From what I read in this thread they are. Am I missing something? Also I was quoted $1100 ($584 for the rack and pinion assembly 44250 from Toyota alone) from what I thought was a reputable indy. Any thoughts?

 

[pavieSD]

I took my 2000LX in for an alignment and was told the bushings (total of 3) on the rack and pinion were shot causing it to move side to side. The large one (44250) appears to be the one in the U bracket (45514). I was told that the other two were not serviceable and therefore required a complete r&p replacement. Is this true about the other two not being serviceable? From what I read in this thread they are. Am I missing something? Also I was quoted $1100 ($584 for the rack and pinion assembly 44250 from Toyota alone) from what I thought was a reputable indy. Any thoughts?

The bushings are not serviceable according to the Toyota Service manual. However lots of mud folks have figured out that the bushings themselves can be replaced with Super Pro brand bushings and thus the stock rubber bushings from toyota can be replaced without replacing the entire rack. It's up to you to decide if that is good enough. It's possible the steering rack has too much play regardless of the status of the bushings, but lots of mud folks have had luck just replacing the bushings instead of the rack to fix side to side play from worn rubber bushings.

 

[timberwilde]

Thank you pavieSD for your response. I just got off the phone with a local shop who echoed what you're saying. I'll go that route because my r&p should be in good shape. I've got 154K on it but never beat it up too badly and I'm always amazed at what tanks these guys are. I have this one, a 2002LX and a 2006LC and love them all. Again, thanks.

 

[Aubie77]

so if I get a shop to do the bushings on a 2000Lx. what is a fair price to pay for labor? I also would like input on whiteline vs superpro?

 

[jLB]

so if I get a shop to do the bushings on a 2000Lx. what is a fair price to pay for labor? I also would like input on whiteline vs superpro?

If I remember correctly, I paid $40 for the bushings and $180 for labor to install them.