Seeking advice on some maintenance that was neglected on my new-to-me 2002 LX470 with 179500 miles on her. I just took my lx to my local tire + axle guy who pointed out to me that I had some significant issues with my front end.
First off, all ball joints were totally shot. That's a no-brainer, need to replace. Ordered a set from Senkei 555.
Secondly, he pointed out that he was able to physically grab the outer tie rod and move the entire rack and pinion assembly back and forth (perpendicular to the direction of the vehicle, of course.) He recommended the following: Replace both inner tie rods, boots, and boot clamps. Replace rack & pinion mount bushing.
Now, his recommendations do make sense to me, however, I'm concerned there may be damage to the rack unit since it was had a MASSIVE amount of play in it - like literally a scary amount.
As an alternative, I think it may be smarter to replace the entire rack & pinion unit. So my alternative idea: purchase new OEM rack and pinion, new power steering fluid lines, new reservoir, new fluid + drain and flush, new tie rod ends. Clearly, this is an entire system re-vamp and will be a lot more expensive.
The question is: Would anyone expect my rack and pinion to be in a damaged conditioning considering the large amount of play in it from worn out inner tie rods (or maybe it's something else....)? I'm thinking I should only go for my alternative/plan B if I remove the skid plates and see that my rack is leaking fluid, etc. If not, maybe the cheaper OEM route is worth it... Replace inner tie rods, rack mount bushing, align, and hope for the best... Thanks in advance!
First off, all ball joints were totally shot. That's a no-brainer, need to replace. Ordered a set from Senkei 555.
Secondly, he pointed out that he was able to physically grab the outer tie rod and move the entire rack and pinion assembly back and forth (perpendicular to the direction of the vehicle, of course.) He recommended the following: Replace both inner tie rods, boots, and boot clamps. Replace rack & pinion mount bushing.
Now, his recommendations do make sense to me, however, I'm concerned there may be damage to the rack unit since it was had a MASSIVE amount of play in it - like literally a scary amount.
As an alternative, I think it may be smarter to replace the entire rack & pinion unit. So my alternative idea: purchase new OEM rack and pinion, new power steering fluid lines, new reservoir, new fluid + drain and flush, new tie rod ends. Clearly, this is an entire system re-vamp and will be a lot more expensive.
The question is: Would anyone expect my rack and pinion to be in a damaged conditioning considering the large amount of play in it from worn out inner tie rods (or maybe it's something else....)? I'm thinking I should only go for my alternative/plan B if I remove the skid plates and see that my rack is leaking fluid, etc. If not, maybe the cheaper OEM route is worth it... Replace inner tie rods, rack mount bushing, align, and hope for the best... Thanks in advance!
