Steering Rack leak - Rubber bushes changed to aluminum (1 Viewer)

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Whoops...my bad. Dcan not see his location on the mobile version of MUD...so yes, I guess a rack can indeed cost that much... :eek:
 
Whoops...my bad. Dcan not see his location on the mobile version of MUD...so yes, I guess a rack can indeed cost that much... :eek:

Yep ... Kenya! .... genuine parts come at a premium :bang:
 
Just bumping a great thread. The time is long overdue for me to replace my rack, pretty much burned through a set of front tires because I put it off so long (but the replacements are happily sitting in the shed).

Just ordered a set of the SPF2470K bushings from OBT USA.
Ordering a new OEM rack after hearing from several people about remans, It's worth the extra couple hundred bucks to me.
Also ordering new tie-rod ends as at least one is noticably loose.
Any other parts I am missing?
 
Jon,

IIRC there is one or possibly two gaskets/o-rings on the oil filter bracket that you will need to replace. If I remember correctly (don't hold me to this as my memory is less than spectacular :rolleyes:) one was not listed on the same parts diagram...

Also there's a small formed rubber hose at the oil filter bracket assembly. Sometimes this is replaced apart of a 90kPM but now would be a good time to replace it if you haven't already...

Check the power steering connections for copper sealing gaskets. Another IIRC we had an issue with the new rack's ports/connections being slightly different than the original rack.

Dan
 
my suggestion is buy two racks....maybe you can get a quantity discount...:rolleyes:. My third one is one its way in, 215K miles, original, reman, and this one is a new OEM.....next one breaks and I might just buy an 80...:meh:
 
New rack just installed by local dealer service dept., due to fluid leakage and also because the steering wheel would sometimes momentarily 'grab' or 'bind' when I would steer the slow-moving vehicle somewhat to the right (never when steering left).

Cost of new Toyota OEM parts: steering rack was $772, grommet was $34. plus labor, alignment, and went ahead with a flush also.
 
Not so sure a "flush" would be something I would pay for when the item you got replaced is full of fluid and it will have to be replaced as part of the R&R....sounds like an upsell if it was a separate line item on your bill.....
 
New rack just installed by local dealer service dept., due to fluid leakage and also because the steering wheel would sometimes momentarily 'grab' or 'bind' when I would steer the slow-moving vehicle somewhat to the right (never when steering left).

Cost of new Toyota OEM parts: steering rack was $772, grommet was $34. plus labor, alignment, and went ahead with a flush also.

:confused: I've had two replaced in the past month due to leakage. She's going in a third time Saturday.
 
Not so sure a "flush" would be something I would pay for when the item you got replaced is full of fluid and it will have to be replaced as part of the R&R....sounds like an upsell if it was a separate line item on your bill.....

You are exactly right. In defense of the service writer - he didn't push it - it was my idea. (I'm one of those guys that wastes a lot of $ in overkill, due to my own lack of mechanical knowledge.)

The 'grab' seems to be gone, and steering feels more responsive now. Time will tell.
 
I ordered the Superpro from obt for the wifes 99 LX. Arrived the same week. Installed them without removing the rack or anything else. Just followed the great how to's that were already posted. Mine literally fell out so only trouble I had was the right sequence to get the uppers in along with the metal bushing. Some all thread with thin washers nuts might make it easier to get things snugged down to get things in from the top.
Steering is night and day different. Wheel is solid and responsive. Now all it needs is an alignment.

Once again thanks to those that post up their how to-haven't found an item on the LX that I haven't found a how to by searching this forum.
 
Bringing up and old but good thread. If a Toyota dealer replaces the rack, is it a given they would also replace the bushings? Do new bushings come with a new rack or does one need to specify new rack AND new driver and PS bushings?
 
I need to R&R the pass. side bushing/grommet only. OEM bushing is ordered. What is the easiest way? I currently have inner and outer tie rods off, and can see it plainly. Thanks!
 
I never had any rack leak until I had the dealer do a power steering flush and fill at 130k miles. Then I had some leaking. Not bad but enough for the dealer to suggest a new rack. I went with stop leak. No more steering fluid leak and my steering is great 10k miles later. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
 
I'm replacing the bushing/grommet because I have play in the rack where it is held by the bushing.
 
Got it. Needed 2-3 ft of extension with a wobbly socket adapter on the end and 19mm socket. Used breaker bar from above in engine bay. They were very tight (anyone know proper torque?). The grommet housing came off easily, and the rack was loose enough to easily slip the split grommet out from around the rack. I'll pick up oem replacement tomorrow ($27). There is red residue on the bolts. Should I use red thread locker when I install the bolts?
This was extra easy because the inner and outer tie rods are off (see pic). I'll take a side by side pic when I get the new one tomorrow

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Replaced grommet today. Used red thread lock and torqued to 74 ft-lb per FSM. No longer able to wiggle the rack by hand.

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