My First Cruiser! HELP!

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TexasRed

Joined
Dec 4, 2018
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My Name is Ryan. I live near Lubbock, TX. I have been looking for my wife a 100 series for a little while. I've heard nothing but good things and want her and the kids in something reliable and safe. Well, after a month or so of searching I picked up our first Cruiser today. It's a 2001 LX470 wit 183,000 miles. I feel like I got a pretty good deal on it considering its condition and some of the extras. Its a southern owned, rust free truck. Its in overall pretty good shape with some minor paint blemishes here and there. The engine and other drive components feel strong, timing belt, pumps, etc have all been changed in a relatively timely manner.

Now for the issues I have run across.... so far.

-Steering rack. I posted about this in an earlier thread and have everything in my cart ready to purchase after I get some more advice. I discovered that the previous owner has been topping off with some basic cheap power steering fluid. Can this cause some of these issues. I have read of some guys replacing the fluid and their issues clearing up. Is this something that might help my situation? On the drive home with the truck the steering seemed really loose. Is this how a bad rack behaves? I just want to get the right things replaced to make this truck drive right.

-Roof top guttering/seal and window trim. These pieces are missing on the passenger side. Any guesses on what might have happened to cause these to go missing? Are these easy to replace? Does anyone have part numbers and/or install instructions?


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-Broken antenna. The motor works but the mast is broken. The story he said was it got broken in a carwash. It is just a limp cable that goes in and out. I think this should be a simple fix. I just don't know if I need a mast or a whole assembly including motor.

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7553360030 is the part number for the passenger side windshield trim. It's riveted in place using 4 of 9026904053. Along the top there is some adhesive that comes on the part.

This comes up a lot with windshield replacements. Sometimes the rivet holes have been enlarged too much to use the factory replacements, which are ideal because they're coated in plastic and seal well and won't rust the body.

Keep it out of the rain for now, or tape over them at least. Those holes can allow water to run into the cabin especially under the dash.
 
TexasRed said:
-Steering rack. I posted about this in an earlier thread and have everything in my cart ready to purchase after I get some more advice. I discovered that the previous owner has been topping off with some basic cheap power steering fluid. Can this cause some of these issues. I have read of some guys replacing the fluid and their issues clearing up. Is this something that might help my situation? On the drive home with the truck the steering seemed really loose. Is this how a bad rack behaves? I just want to get the right things replaced to make this truck drive right.
Click to expand...

I would definitely flush the fluid on that and get some good synthetic ATF in there. I experienced a leak pulling into my driveway after the trip back from HIH7 (July 2017). After a quick flush with Mobil 1 ATF added some AT-205 to see if it could help the re-lubricate the seals in the system. It hasn't leaked since. So might want to give this a try first. Worst case you spend $20 on ATF and the AT-205, best case you don't need to buy a new rack yet.

Good luck!
 
planomateo said:
I would definitely flush the fluid on that and get some good synthetic ATF in there. I experienced a leak pulling into my driveway after the trip back from HIH7 (July 2017). After a quick flush with Mobil 1 ATF added some AT-205 to see if it could help the re-lubricate the seals in the system. It hasn't leaked since. So might want to give this a try first. Worst case you spend $20 on ATF and the AT-205, best case you don't need to buy a new rack yet.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

That AT-205 is definitely the truth. Did same thing 6 months ago still no issue
 
So I need to flush it with Mobil 1 ATF and then refill with AT-205?

How much of each fluid will I need to purchase?
 
The AT-205 has mixing instructions for the PS fluid. Doesn’t take much. I did this last summer with one drain and refill. It has started leaking again. I read it takes 3 drains and refills to completely flush. Maybe that would help mine. Just jack front end up with engine off, pulled hose at the reservoir and rotate steering wheel back and forth until no more comes out. Then refill and bleed the atf and AT-205 additive.
 
Is there detailed step by step instructions on this process? Can the fluids be found at local parts stores?
 
Found all the stuff at my local store. Going to try and tackle it tomorrow. Hopefully it clears up and/or fixes the issue. Fingers crossed!
 
the antenna is easily replaceable off of Amazon. The one ordered was actually too long so it may require trimming. Good luck
 
Update: flushed the steering system yesterday. The fluid that came out was pretty clear. I assume the previous owners was just running generic PS fluid and not AFT. I now have clean M1 ATF and AT-205. The steering seems a lot more firm. I spent the afternoon cleaning up the mess from the leaking boot area on the passenger side. Should I go ahead and replace the busted rack boot?

Antenna and windshield parts are ordered and should be here early next week.

The more I dig around the more little issues I find. I guess that is to be expected on a 18 year old truck.
 
What kind of deal did you get buying this truck? Also spend $25 and run a Carfax which would tell you a lot about your truck. It is possible it might have been in an accident on the side you are having issues with.
 
I ran the carfax. Showed two minor accidents. Both from the owner who had it for 12+ years. One was minor hail damage the other was the driver side bumper (which is still damaged) and I plan to replace eventually.

Nothing that is showing to be on any specific side.
 
The loose steering is most likely being caused by shot steering rack bushings. Can be replaced with poly or oem style rubber.

Which boot is damaged? You've got CV boots (larger) and TRE boots (smaller). If it's a leaky TRE boot coming out of the steering rack, then hopefully the AT205 will do it's job and reseal it. Just clean it up and keep an eye on it.
 
I will order bushings if the leaking stops and see if that helps.

It is the TRE boot on the passenger side. The boot around the passenger TRE ball joint is torn as well.

I am thinking about replacing the boot and TRE. Does counting threads get you close enough to not need a realign immediately? I am just worried about driving around with torn boots/bellows. If it is still leaking will it show up pretty quickly?
 
For loose steering another thing to check is the upper steering column shaft. There's a slip joint that can loosen up over time adding play between your steering wheel and the rack. It's simple to check: Reach under the dash above the brake pedal and feel for the shaft junction circled below. When you wiggle the steering wheel the small shaft should mimic the movements exactly. If there's any play between the two it'll be very obvious.

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Replacing a worn shaft is DIY if you feel capable: How To: Replace your own Upper Steering Column Shaft
 
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