How do I test Steering Rack? (3 Viewers)

[whereeaglesdare]

2000 LX470 342K
Lexus dealer replaced "power steering rack assy" at 217k in 2012. As you can see in the picture, the inner TRE is rough(same on both sides). I've read how to check the TRE's bit I'm unsure of the process to check the power steering rack. I thought maybe I could get away with just changing the inner and possibly outer TRE to save the hassle of removing the rack if it still functions properly. I assume the general consensus would be to go ahead and replace the rack and TRE. Also, I'm looking at CJV for the reman rack, but I need to confirm the one currently installed is OEM to send back as the core. I'd like to assume the dealer installed OEM, but is there an easy way to tell without removing it first? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Bisho]

The only thing I can tell you from your description is you need a new inner tie rod boot. It looks dirty, but impossible to tell if its worn out or not.

To check the tie rods, jack up the truck and try to move each wheel left and right by hand. If you have movement something is worn out. Looks for where you have movement and replace that. Good quality inner tie rods can be had for $50 each. If your rack has a bad leak, you may choose to replace it, and it most always comes with new inner tie rods. My first inclination would be its unlikely your rack is bad with only 120k miles on it.

 

[whereeaglesdare]

The only thing I can tell you from your description is you need a new inner tie rod boot. It looks dirty, but impossible to tell if its worn out or not.

To check the tie rods, jack up the truck and try to move each wheel left and right by hand. If you have movement something is worn out. Looks for where you have movement and replace that. Good quality inner tie rods can be had for $50 each. If your rack has a bad leak, you may choose to replace it, and it most always comes with new inner tie rods. My first inclination would be its unlikely your rack is bad with only 120k miles on it.

Thanks Bisho. That was my thought was well re: boot replacement since it has relatively low miles on the rack. Do you have a source for the tie rods at this price point? Thanks again.

 

[AlpineAccess]

I put my phone in front of the vehicle with the camera aiming at the rack and wheels (video on). You do not jack the vehicle up for this but will need to remove the front brush guard. If I steer the wheel and the rack moves before the wheels I know I have play in the rack. That might be bushings, TREs, steering link, the rack itself.

Easier if someone can do the steering while you observe but there isn't always a helper around.

If it moves above, jack the front end up and do push/pull method. There will be some normal movement from the steering linkage so don't take that as the rack being bad.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Also, I'm looking at CJV for the reman rack, but I need to confirm the one currently installed is OEM to send back as the core. I'd like to assume the dealer installed OEM, but is there an easy way to tell without removing it first?

OEM rack is stamped with “TOYODA”, on the backside IIRC. I strongly suggest not getting a CVJ reman rack, but it’s your money.

 

[whereeaglesdare]

OEM rack is stamped with “TOYODA”, on the backside IIRC. I strongly suggest not getting a CVJ reman rack, but it’s your money.

Oh! Do tell. I've heard good things. Do you have recommendations? New OEM?

 

[Bisho]

Thanks Bisho. That was my thought was well re: boot replacement since it has relatively low miles on the rack. Do you have a source for the tie rods at this price point? Thanks again.

New Toyota Land Cruiser UZJ100 Set of 2 Sankei 555 Steering Rack End 45503-69015

Specializing in Toyota Land Cruiser Used Auto Parts and Accessories - CruiserYard - Austin, Texas, USA

www.cruiseryard.com

 

[whereeaglesdare]

New Toyota Land Cruiser UZJ100 Set of 2 Sankei 555 Steering Rack End 45503-69015

Specializing in Toyota Land Cruiser Used Auto Parts and Accessories - CruiserYard - Austin, Texas, USA

www.cruiseryard.com

Excellent. Thanks again.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Cruiser Teq | Powered by Cruiser Outfitters

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[sleepdoc]

cruiser teq is awesome for outer Tie rods. Just bought 555 inner and outer from the for about $35 each.

 

[shtbrwn86]

cruiser teq is awesome for outer Tie rods. Just bought 555 inner and outer from the for about $35 each.

Agreed. I got outers from there as well. Super fast shipping too. Just be prepared for them to be super duper well wrapped. Like I think they used 50' of plastic wrap on each one. Why do I mention this? Because some of us (ME) are impatient and think we can just cut through all that plastic with a box knife and accidentally cut the boot (for which there are no replacement boots).

Oh, and hit them with some paint or they will get a bunch of surface rust.