lx470 possible rack and pinion issue

[Nam]

Recently my lx470 is having steering issue. When making a turn, the steering wheel tighten up and I need to apply force to complete the turn. I had a shop take a glance at it and was told the rack and pinion is likely the issue and needs to be replaced. The cost is between $2000-$3000.

Is his diagnostic correct?
Is the cost estimate correct? It seems high.
Lastly, i'm in fairfax VA. Where can I get this done at a reasonable price? I don't mind someone that does work on the side.

 

[Trailguy]

How many miles? Did you check your fluid level? Has the fluid been replaced? Do you have any leaks? We need more information here. At minimum, get a secound opinion. Check out other threads on this site about the steering rack. I understand it is one of the more difficult repairs on the 100.

 

[LXFAM]

I am also experiencing this same issue on my 2001 LX. Running M1 Full synthetic ATF fluid replaced 4 months ago. No grinds or leaks from steering components.

What's really bizarre is the following week, the steering wheel moved perfectly fine from lock - lock. The next day though, it would be extremely stiff at certain points.

I'll keep troubleshooting to find out whats going on...

 

[Nam]

Fluid levels are okay. I'm not sure when the last time it was changed, i've only owned the car for about 3 months and the issue just started happening. It's 05 with 143,000 miles.

@LXFAM, my issue comes and goes as well. Probably 50/50 on a normal week on when it's stiff vs not stiff.

 

[Trailguy]

Intermittent troubles are maddening! What you are describing could be caused by a loose serpentine belt as it passes over the power steering pump. Has the S-belt been replaced or is it the original? If the belt is slipping on the pulley the pump will not be turning as it should and therefore cause a lack of proper fluid to energize the pump.

Also, you might check to make sure your knuckles are properly lubed. If dry they could cause the stiffness.

 

[yamoto78]

Just my $.02, but that seems pretty high. I just replaced mine last month on my '99 LX and it was $950. I was quoted almost the exact same price by 3 different independent shops. The bummer was 2 days later I had to replace the power steering pump and hoses.

 

[LXFAM]

Maddening indeed... I replaced my serpentine belt 9 months ago and doesn't sequel at all. What are symptoms of a bad power steering pump in need of replacement vs. a bad steering rack?

Just my $.02, but that seems pretty high. I just replaced mine last month on my '99 LX and it was $950. I was quoted almost the exact same price by 3 different independent shops. The bummer was 2 days later I had to replace the power steering pump and hoses.

 

[yamoto78]

For me I had something popping/knocking every time I turned. There was a lot of play in the wheel and I had power steering fluid leaking down low. I had a few shops look at it and then they all said the rack was bad. The pump had zero pressure a couple of days after replacing the rack, which meant it was a bugger to turn. There is a screen inside the fluid reservoir that was completely clogged with metal shavings (likely from the pump). We completely cleaned that out and flushed the system a few times, but it didn't help. We replaced the pump and actually had it go out again a few days later. There were some threads on here saying that often the hoses start deteriorating after awhile and that it might be causing the issue. We cleaned everything again, replaced the pump again and replaced the hoses. So far so good.

It sounds like my issue was slightly different. I didn't have any issues turning before the pump went out, other than the leaking and noise. However, when the pump went out, I struggled to turn, unless I was pushing the gas pedal to accelerate.

 

[Trailguy]

LXFAM- Not sure how to tell for sure on the pump. However, you can lift the front end off the ground, with the engine running, open the filler cap. Have someone slowly turn the wheel to the left and right (full lock). Check for belt squealing and check to see if the fluid seems to be circulating properly.

 

[Manhattan]

Mine is doing this too. I'll lose power assist - always at very low speeds, always when the steering wheel is at or close to full lock. It's intermittent, e.g. doesn't happen often. The guys at ACC noted that there is a very slow leak - to keep on eye on the fluid and see if it correlates. They also said "Brace yourself for a new rack. It's one of the things 100s are somewhat known to wear out - especially with bigger tires."

 

[yamoto78]

LXFAM- Not sure how to tell for sure on the pump. However, you can lift the front end off the ground, with the engine running, open the filler cap. Have someone slowly turn the wheel to the left and right (full lock). Check for belt squealing and check to see if the fluid seems to be circulating properly.

^^^^This. The fluid should be circulating. Mine wasn't.

Mine is doing this too. I'll lose power assist - always at very low speeds, always when the steering wheel is at or close to full lock. It's intermittent, e.g. doesn't happen often. The guys at ACC noted that there is a very slow leak - to keep on eye on the fluid and see if it correlates. They also said "Brace yourself for a new rack. It's one of the things 100s are somewhat known to wear out - especially with bigger tires."

That's how mine started. I do have 33" MTs on there, which made it worse and speeded up the process.

 

[LXFAM]

UPDATE:
I tested the power steering pump by turning from lock to lock and did notice the fluid move a bit. No noise, no leaks, none of the boots were torn, Tie rods looked fine and did not clunk.

Looking deeper, I inspected the intermediate steering shaft connecting the rack to the steering wheel. It looked like the rod was moving up and down in addition to the twisting force applied from the steering wheel.
Considering that the rest of the system seemed to be functioning fine, I lubed the lower shaft joint with some lithium grease as well as the interior joint to test. Immediately after, my steering improved. There is still a very slight stiffness at certain points but the wheel will return back to center when turning. I will be ordering a new steering shaft to completely rectify my issue.

 

[jrmudder92]

UPDATE:
I tested the power steering pump by turning from lock to lock and did notice the fluid move a bit. No noise, no leaks, none of the boots were torn, Tie rods looked fine and did not clunk.

Looking deeper, I inspected the intermediate steering shaft connecting the rack to the steering wheel. It looked like the rod was moving up and down in addition to the twisting force applied from the steering wheel.
Considering that the rest of the system seemed to be functioning fine, I lubed the lower shaft joint with some lithium grease as well as the interior joint to test. Immediately after, my steering improved. There is still a very slight stiffness at certain points but the wheel will return back to center when turning. I will be ordering a new steering shaft to completely rectify my issue.

Bump did new shaft fix the problem?