Hello! I’m seeking some help to determine if my steering rack is experiencing excessive movement. Two years ago, I replaced my steering rack with an aftermarket one, and it significantly improved the handling compared to my previous one. However, recently, I’ve been intermittently hearing a popping sound whenever I completely turn one direction of the wheel, then move forward or backward while simultaneously turning the wheel in the opposite direction. While trying to pinpoint the issue, I’ve noticed that the rack moves more than I think it should. Any advice on the movement would be greatly appreciated. Is it normal?
Is this too much movement for the steering rack? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Dmonies
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- Thread starter
- #3
Driver side has been replaced. Passenger side which I suspect it’s coming from has not but it looks intact. I’ll have to do a bit more testing maybe mount a camera under there or a small child jk. It’s not a click tho, it’s sounds like a large piece of metal popping and it only happens once in a specific way. Normal driving it’s fine.
I’ll buy some polyurethane bushings for the rack.
2001LC
SILVER Star
That movement is normal and the rubber of bushing looks good. Being aftermarket R&P, bushings tend to be on soft side. You need to also inspect other back side bushing and the horse shoe bushing on other side.
Then check all 4 TRE's (inner and outer) and ball joints.
Also check wheel bearings for any loosens, hub flange snap ring for pro fitment and gap and wear of axle and hub flange splines.
Typical bad CV of FDS (front drive shaft), we'll hear clicking in turns. Very common if vehicle lifted, with old FDS being used. Usually, about 20K miles after lift.
Inspecting FDS for remarkable play, is difficult while steering knuckle on. But I do with jack under LCA, place FDS in a neutral stance. As if vehicle on the ground. Grab each CV tulip. twisting in opposite direction. Any remarkable play, is bad according to FSM. But depending on mileage, some should be expected.
Then check all 4 TRE's (inner and outer) and ball joints.
Also check wheel bearings for any loosens, hub flange snap ring for pro fitment and gap and wear of axle and hub flange splines.
Typical bad CV of FDS (front drive shaft), we'll hear clicking in turns. Very common if vehicle lifted, with old FDS being used. Usually, about 20K miles after lift.
Inspecting FDS for remarkable play, is difficult while steering knuckle on. But I do with jack under LCA, place FDS in a neutral stance. As if vehicle on the ground. Grab each CV tulip. twisting in opposite direction. Any remarkable play, is bad according to FSM. But depending on mileage, some should be expected.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for the response. The CV axles look good. I went under there and manhandled both of them. Its not a clicking sound or ticking. Its like one semi loud pop and it goes away. Only when I start turning and reversing and maneuvering exaggerated does it POP again.
I replaced both bearing hubs when I replaced the driver CV axle 8-10k miles ago.
Today I will see if I can check the lower ball joints. I have a new UCAs (Front Upper Control Arms for 2-4" Lift #FO-T707FU - https://freedomoffroadusa.com/front-upper-control-arm-for-2-4-lift-fo-t707fu/) theyve been great so far.
2001LC
SILVER Star
Also consider, lower control arm bushings.
I'm probably kind of rare in this, but I don't recommend the poly rack bushings, at least in 03+ trucks. The VGRS system doesn't like them. Myself and a handful of others here have had near traumatizing experiences of VSC triggering in sweeping turns and scaring the bejeezus out of whomever was driving.
I don't see any reference to vgrs systems in my '04 documentation. Thought it was an '06/07 item.
It's 03+ as far as I'm aware. It's in my 05. I would imagine it coincided with the revised steering rack mounting points on later trucks. Or, maybe it was an LX thing 03-05. Not entirely positive.
Watched video, I would say yes the lateral movement is excessive. I have an 06 and I went with polyurethane bushings and so far no issues with vgrs.
I did experience a “popping sound” as well when I turn the wheel after a few months I had it installed so I went back investigated more and it turned out I did not torqued the steering rack bushing bolts enough. After re-tightening it, popping sound disappeared. 5 yrs now on the poly bushings. Hope this helps.
I did experience a “popping sound” as well when I turn the wheel after a few months I had it installed so I went back investigated more and it turned out I did not torqued the steering rack bushing bolts enough. After re-tightening it, popping sound disappeared. 5 yrs now on the poly bushings. Hope this helps.
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- Thread starter
- #11
Okay so I was able to set my phone up to record me reversing down my drive way. I start to barely turn and you can hear a bong sound. I’m starting to think it’s something else. Something much lower like my rock sliders when the car flexes.
I’m still gonna buy the polyurethane bushings for the rack. At this point I guess I need to set up my camera in different angles of the car.
I’m still gonna buy the polyurethane bushings for the rack. At this point I guess I need to set up my camera in different angles of the car.
- Thread starter
- #12
How hard is it to replace the bushings without lifting the rack out? I’ve only ever replaced the rack and that was a b**ch to install.
oops, did not see the ref to lx in your sig. The lexus has all the good stuff.
