How risky/stupid would it be to install a used rack and pinion

[benlandis24]

I just purchased a 2005 GX. I just got back from my guy at Toyota who did an inspection for me. My rack is leaking and needs to be released fairly soon. I was quoted at around $1700 out the door for the rack, fluid flush and alignment.

I know people generally say avoid after market parts, but how do we feel about used? For example there is currently a used rack with 60k miles on it on ebay for $275 plus shipping. How risky is this?

I very well may just have a new one put in, I'm just trying to weigh all my options before pulling the trigger on anything.

 

[sedonut]

If you could see the odometer, and hope the rack matched it should be fine. Make sure it was not damaged in what ever totaled the car. Life is risk. The 60k mile one is a risk I would take.

 

[re_guderian]

I'd drive the existing one for a while and see how much it leaks over time. Most every rack will seep at higher mileage. Is it dripping fluid on skid? On driveway? Do you have to add fluid? Is steering noticeably hard? I would pause and assess before committing. But if replacing, I'd go new or rebuilt. Had to replace in both my 100 series, but well north of 200k.

 

[Jstawgn]

The risk of buying 16 year old vehicle. If you are not handy with repairing it yourself it would get expensive quickly. They are pretty reliable as not to suddenly stranded you, but would still need maintenance. Brand new OEM are not that expensive. It can be had for about $500 online.

There are quite a few videos on how to replace the steering rack on tacoma, 4runner or FJ cruiser. It is a lot easier to do if you remove the inner tie rod from both side. Also I heard the shaft are not exposed the same way left and right. The OEM came with clips that keep the rack centered during shipping.

 

[benlandis24]

I'd drive the existing one for a while and see how much it leaks over time. Most every rack will seep at higher mileage. Is it dripping fluid on skid? On driveway? Do you have to add fluid? Is steering noticeably hard? I would pause and assess before committing. But if replacing, I'd go new or rebuilt. Had to replace in both my 100 series, but well north of 200k.

I have no plans are replacing immediately - hoping to wait until this fall/winter. I need to do the water pump first. Rack is not leaking on driveway, not sure about skid. I haven't had this truck long and haven't had the chance to really see how bad it is myself. Steering isn't hard, doesn't make noise when turning, but there have been a few times of a wheel hitting a bump and steering getting a bit swirly.

 

[Rednexus]

Rockauto has a reman Cardone steering rack for $203 plus shipping (note there is a core charge and you need to ship the old rack back so you'd be all-in at around $300). So basically the same price as the used rack you mentioned. I put a reman Cardone rack on my previous Subaru and it was perfectly fine. I'd go that route rather than chancing it on a used rack.