Lx570 steering rack leak (1 Viewer)

[TTO5]

My 2010 lx570 is leaking from the driver side rack. Not a terrible leak but definitely getting things wet. Has anyone tried to replace a rack end seal while the rack is installed? Also worrying about the control arm bushing that is getting soaked with fluid being directly under the rack leak. I wonder how long until the bushing becomes compromised due to soaking up steering fluid?

 

[bloc]

As I understand it replacing the pressure seals involves pulling the pinion to slide the rack out the end. Personally I’d just do the whole rack. FSM calls for pulling the engine to do so but users have posted that’s not necessary.

 

[NKP Garage]

You're better off replacing the entire rack.

 

[ryanCA]

Is it true its a 23 hour book job?

Is steering rack an issue on 200 series?

 

[NKP Garage]

Is it true its a 23 hour book job?

Is steering rack an issue on 200 series?

no, not an issue. It eventually fails. Most of them I've seen fail are around 100-170k miles. But at that milage I just consider it a wear and tear item that needs to be replaced.

 

[ryanCA]

no, not an issue. It eventually fails. Most of them I've seen fail are around 100-170k miles. But at that milage I just consider it a wear and tear item that needs to be replaced.

Thank you for that. Mine at 260K miles is still original. Will keep an eye on it.

Being long time 100 series owner, I am very familiar with the rack issue on that platform, thus wasn't sure if it is same on 200 series. Thanks

 

[trudd]

Anybody have info on how to go about this without pulling the engine, per the FSM?

 

[NKP Garage]

Thank you for that. Mine at 260K miles is still original. Will keep an eye on it.

Being long time 100 series owner, I am very familiar with the rack issue on that platform, thus wasn't sure if it is same on 200 series. Thanks

no real issues. The only "problem" i've found is that the original 200 series steering racks from 2008 to Somewhere around 2013 or 2014 were very smooth and steered with very little effort. Somewhere along the way Toyota changed somthing about how they're valved internally (or something) and the newer racks are very noticeably more firm. So when someone with an earlier 200 series gets a new rack installed (or rebuilt), they usually notice immediately the additional effort required to steer.

 

[bloc]

200k on mine, zero issues.

And like our brakes, most of what you find about the job on a tundra will apply to our rigs.

 

[mcgaskins]

My 2010 lx570 is leaking from the driver side rack. Not a terrible leak but definitely getting things wet. Has anyone tried to replace a rack end seal while the rack is installed? Also worrying about the control arm bushing that is getting soaked with fluid being directly under the rack leak. I wonder how long until the bushing becomes compromised due to soaking up steering fluid?

Are you in Colorado by chance? I have a brand new OEM rack in the box in my garage I intended to install on the 2008 I used to have. I bought it to do preventative maintenance however it never needed it. I have tons of new OEM stuff actually - CV axles, front driveshaft, LCAs…if you’re local and interested let me know!

 

[LX4x4]

Anybody have info on how to go about this without pulling the engine, per the FSM?

There is a video on this done on a GX it may give some insight. I once thought it is easier on these trucks compare to unibody like Camry / Avalon (about few hrs). But it does seem the frame make it less easy to access. The rack is not as visible as a Camry.

 

[SausageMaker]

Anybody have info on how to go about this without pulling the engine, per the FSM?

I replaced the steering rack on my 2011 LC 200. you need to create as much space as you can. I took the oil filter housing off and took the sway bar off.

When putting the new rack in I had the steering centered, in order to get the rack in I had to move the steering all the way to the right and it finally squeezed into place. I think Toyota changed the way they recommend installing this, they referred to a specific tool that moves the steering right and left, I didn't have it and wish I did.

It took me about 12 hours to remove and reinstall. Granted I had a lift to put the 200 up on, but I also had access to a lot of special tools. If I didn't I think it would still be on jack stands in my garage.

I did the job myself because I didn't want to pay $3,500 to have it done. After doing it I understand why they charge that much to do it.

 

[a200]

Mine was replaced just before 120k.

 

[MILOWILLI]

Anybody have info on how to go about this without pulling the engine, per the FSM?

I just did mine by removing the front Diff. Lots of room and very easy to come out.

 

[LX4x4]

What is the estimated weight of the diff as pictured?

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

What is the estimated weight of the diff as pictured?

~70 lbs (I'm ballparking, but I've swapped mine before, and recall being sore afterwards). Putting the diff back in was a bit of work with a transmission jack.

Edit: I've since weight the stock front diff. It is 60lbs with the passenger side tube removed, so maybe 65lbs with that attached.

 

[linuxgod]

You don’t have the pull the diff though it might make access easier. The Toyota dealer near me did mine by removing the engine oil cooler, I think loosening the diff bolts a bit to drop it an inch or something and then the rack tilts, slides forward, then straightens and tilts out.

 

[32cls6speedmt]

@linuxgod thank you for posting. How many labor hours were you billed? How many hours does the fsm?

 

[linuxgod]

@linuxgod thank you for posting. How many labor hours were you billed? How many hours does the fsm?

ill have to look up the FSM but it’s a lot, maybe 16 hours? I’ll have to pull the receipt but it was not nearly that many. I want to say it was somewhere around 9 hours but I’ll try to confirm. Total cost was $2700 including parts (at list price) and alignment… I do have that info handy.