Power Steering Rack

[Cringe]

Today I finally had a chance to get in the garage and swap out my tie rods and tie rod ends. As soon as I popped the boots off I had discovered they were wet. Fluid is definitely leaking, not a horrible amount, but a leak nonetheless. I would have sworn the loose steering was the tie rods, but the leak combined with the steering feeling the same as before making repairs tells me I need a new rack.

What is a good aftermarket brand to be looking for, and how much of a nightmare is replacing it going to be? I suppose one positive thing to come of this is that I will have spare tie rods & ends if the new rack comes with them!

 

[GXO]

CVJ has the best reman.

 

[JLee]

I believe book time is 2.5 hours.

 

[GXO]

The rack is actually pretty easy on a lifted truck. Stock is a little harder without a lift.

Basically, pull the PS lines and drain, drop the tie rods, and wiggle it out.

Reverse, reattach, and bleed/add fluid. Not impossible. I actually inspected mine yesterday and I could have had it out in about an hour.

 

[Cringe]

I am thinking about dragging my feet on replacing it while I collect parts. If I have to tear it down it seems like a good time to upgrade the suspension since I am not lifted and have been wanting to make that happen in the next couple months. I've worked on some horrible things over the years, so far things have been fairly easy on the GX, but I figure there is a part on it which will make me hate life when it comes time to replace!

I'm on metaltech's website, they have a poly bushing kit listed, is it complete? There are no sway bar bushings or steering rack bushings in the photo, and the description lacks a detailed list of what is included, but it does look like a good option. Considering I have over 140k it is no surprise things are starting to go wrong, rubber bushings don't last forever.