How To: Replace your own steering rack (5 Viewers)

[90WT]

Huge thanks to contributors!

Replaced the rack today. 06 LX.
Hardest part was steering column link to the rack. That sucker was rusted stuck to the rack. Ended up removing the coupler and pulling the rack out with the column link attached. Took a BFH to get them separated afterwards. Otherwise no worries. All the effort is getting it out, install is easier. Flushed the PS fluid before the work. It was Grade A nasty!

 

[Chrisek]

Just had mine done (at the dealer). 2004 LC, 290k miles. Was leaking on ground. As far as I know, this was the original (I'm not the original owner).

They put in a new OEM rack and end links. Said everything else looked good.

Just adding another data point.

 

[awesomeissquid]

So I had my engine out for a swap and decided to replace the rack at the same time since it was just too easy. Made sure the steering wheel was held straight while everything was removed and installed. Unfortunately, post install with the tires straight ahead, the wheel is off by about a quarter turn. I assume this happened because the rack itself was not centered?

Was hoping to get some confirmation in my guess. I figure I need to center the rack, disconnect the linkage to the steering wheel, re-center the steering wheel and then reconnect everything?

 

[Eyedaho]

So I had my engine out for a swap and decided to replace the rack at the same time since it was just too easy. Made sure the steering wheel was held straight while everything was removed and installed. Unfortunately, post install with the tires straight ahead, the wheel is off by about a quarter turn. I assume this happened because the rack itself was not centered?

Was hoping to get some confirmation in my guess. I figure I need to center the rack, disconnect the linkage to the steering wheel, re-center the steering wheel and then reconnect everything?

View attachment 2991854

I pulled my steering wheel to center it. It's super easy, and the directions for aligning the clock spring were printed on it. It probably took me ten minutes total.

 

[awesomeissquid]

I pulled my steering wheel to center it. It's super easy, and the directions for aligning the clock spring were printed on it. It probably took me ten minutes total.

Ohhh, I like that idea. Does something like this introduce any potential issues with anything else in the system?

 

[Eyedaho]

Ohhh, I like that idea. Does something like this introduce any potential issues with anything else in the system?

I guess it might be different for later years with steering position sensor? Mine is a '99 so no other issues.

 

[awesomeissquid]

I guess it might be different for later years with steering position sensor? Mine is a '99 so no other issues.

I will need to do some digging. I do not know if the 2000 year that I have has a steering position sensor.

 

[PabloCruise]

Just had mine done (at the dealer). 2004 LC, 290k miles. Was leaking on ground. As far as I know, this was the original (I'm not the original owner).

They put in a new OEM rack and end links. Said everything else looked good.

Just adding another data point.

Do you mind sharing what the dealer charged for parts and service?

 

[yosh2000]

Do you mind sharing what the dealer charged for parts and service?

I was just quoted 1,700 plus 110 alignment for my "leaking" steering rack on my 07 LC. Now mind you, I have never seen a drop or a loss in reservoir fluid for the full 6 yrs I have owned the vehicle! I declined....

 

[Chrisek]

Do you mind sharing what the dealer charged for parts and service?

I paid $1488 out the door. Toyota dealer, Toyota parts.

 

[Slickspawn]

.

 

[PabloCruise]

When does the clunk occur?

If your '06 calls for ATF and you are running PS fluid, that could be part of your effort problems. I don't know the different chemistries, or how the seals in your system will respond to PS fluid over the long term.

 

[Slickspawn]

I will update when I have time to diagnose.

 

[jwible]

I just had this done by a very reputable local shop along with UCAs and CVs. It drives like a new truck.

But I do have an "It was working when I brought it in." situation.

Last night the interior dome lights and fogs weren't working. The fogs could be related to a hack job by the PO, but the domes seem like they could be due to a grounding issue. Fuses for both are fine.

My question:. Would any ground wires be disconnected as part of replacing the rack, UCAs, and CVs? I'm hoping that's the case and I can just find and reattach it.

 

[Mike NXP]

Need some help with front end noise.

Looking for help on front end noise when at full turn .

Quick overview , front end is dealer maintained and all new OEM parts .

A remanned Toyota rack failed on me after a year and a half and Toyota hooked me up with a new rack. Life is good...right?...sorta....

I pull out of parking spot and turn wheel full lock and I hear a clanking popping metal noise. Something I would typically relate to a CV problem but cvs are brand new. Brought it back to dealer and luckily they hear it turn , when driving in a circle it sounds horrible.


Any ideas of what could cause a clank / pop at full wheel lock , while moving like pulling into a parking spot , after a steering rack / CV replacement.

 

[medtro]

For the noise, I am guessing steering component or whatever they touched. Please check your coolant level. I remember reading horrible over heating story after steering rack replacement at dealer.

 

[Eyedaho]

Need some help with front end noise.

Looking for help on front end noise when at full turn .

Quick overview , front end is dealer maintained and all new OEM parts .

A remanned Toyota rack failed on me after a year and a half and Toyota hooked me up with a new rack. Life is good...right?...sorta....

I pull out of parking spot and turn wheel full lock and I hear a clanking popping metal noise. Something I would typically relate to a CV problem but cvs are brand new. Brought it back to dealer and luckily they hear it turn , when driving in a circle it sounds horrible.


Any ideas of what could cause a clank / pop at full wheel lock , while moving like pulling into a parking spot , after a steering rack / CV replacement.

Is it just one and done, or does it keep making the noise as you circle?

 

[Mike NXP]

Is it just one and done, or does it keep making the noise as you circle?

It was one and done for me and then I handed I back to Toyota . Did some digging in the forums and some people mention upper control arm bolts / cam bolts not being torqued down enough.

Kinda make sense since we just did wheel bearings / cvs / rack / alignment .

Otherwise there aren't many other parts up there . Didn't feel like a ball joint pop , sounds more like a brake dust shield twangy metal pop, ya know ?


Kinda sounds like this video
>>https://imgur.io/a/jDrFNPG#49guHgP

 

[Mike NXP]

For the noise, I am guessing steering component or whatever they touched. Please check your coolant level. I remember reading horrible over heating story after steering rack replacement at dealer.

Luckily I have good luck with this dealer but good call on checking that stuff. Sometimes for a rack removal the oil filter housing and coolant lines may be touched / removed so that may lead to some horror stories .

I'm leaning towards something not torqued down since the cvs look snug and my clunk has went away with that repair . Steering rack brand new OEM , tie rods new , bearings new ...

Fingers crossed for something simple ,until then I'm pimping in a Sienna loaner. Took me a good while to figure out it was turned on and ready to roll in hybrid mode.

 

[Mike NXP]

I'm still chasing a front end pop noise when at full turn after my recent steering rack replacement at the dealer . I can hear it from driver wheel area when pulling into parking spot or doing a circle.


I was convinced that maybe they didn't torque something down right in upper control arm or cam bolt for alignment.

They called me today to tell me that this is normal and nothing is contacting when inspecting on the rack but when full tuned and going over a bump or taping the brake the steering stopper is contacting something ???

They said it could be remedied with a little grease but it'll come back.

What are these people talking about ?

I have my steering stoppers things installed on the lower control arm . Maybe they aren't adjusted right ? What do you think they are telling me to grease ?