How To: Replace your own steering rack

[fjfodee]

What happens is; tech locks steering wheel centered. He then find tires/wheels turn off, to one direction. He adjust TRE to bring tires/wheel dead-on forward with correct TOE, while steering wheel centered. Not knowing, he can center steering wheel, later, electronically through tech stream.

Yes, it’s an ‘05.

So what would be your remedy to what you mention above? If the tech adjusts the tie rods with the steering wheel locked and leaves you with 3 threads on one outer TRE and 13 threads on the other. Let’s say everything is perfect at that point (toe, steering, etc) except the thread count. How do you fix that?

Also, where is the best place to measure the lengths of the inner TREs with the rack in the vehicle?

 

[2001LC]

05LX has VGRS. So do not lock steering wheel. let it turn/clock however it wants. You'll center it, later in TS VGRS.
Example:
So you've 3 thread exposed on one TRE, 13 on other. TOE is set with tires/wheels dead-on straight ahead. So total thread count is 16 (3 +13). Take the 16/2=8. Expand the TRE with 3 to 8 threads. Contract/shorten the other TRE with 13 to 8 thread, with tires/wheel dead-on straight ahead. Fine tune TOE, which may change thread count a tiny bit.

Now steering wheel. Will likely be turned/clocked, off center. No worries. Go into tech stream, VGRS, Center steering wheel.

Done!

__________________________________________________

In a non VGRS, like 98-07LC or 98-02LX. Which do not have VGRS. If thread count on TRE's, set equal on both sides. Result in steering wheel off center. We must either remove and reset steering wheel. Or remove and reset intermediate shaft on pinion shaft. Or live with TRE thread count, however it may end up.

 

[hb1980]

Hey Mudders,

Bumping this thread in 2026.

I own a JDM 07 LC100 which is ofcourse a RHD vehicle, and though many of you in US may find this irrelevant, I thought I'd share my experience on replacing the steering rack on a RHD vehicle, which is totally the opposite of a LHD vehicle. Since many enthusiasts and DIYers like myself, often refer to this forum as a bible for any Landcruiser related issues, I thought it would help someone out there someday.

The process is somewhat similar to a USDM LHD vehicle only that the rack would slide out from the RHS of the vehicle (when facing forward)

I undid both lines and drained the PS fluid, had to drain coolant and remove the lower radiator hose, remove engine mounting bolts on LHS of vehicle and jack up just enough where fan doesn't touch the shroud, without loosening or removing shroud.
I undid the TREs and left the Rack ends and boots in place. Then slowly start working the rack towards LHS of the vehicle by rotating the rack towards the rear so the rack input shaft clears the alternator and the bush tabs are vertical so they pass through the hole on the frame rail.
Pushing to LHS just until the RHS rack end clears the hole and can be slid forward, then rack can be pulled out from RHS side by slowly rotating to normal position (Bush tabs horizontal) once LHS bush tabs clears the frame rail hole on the inside.

Rack was centred while doing this. Oil filter and housing not removed.

I hooe this helps someone planning to do this.

hb1980