Steering Rack leak - Rubber bushes changed to aluminum

[calamaridog]

I got the poly Tundra bushing kit and installed the main bushing. It is slightly smaller diameter but I got it installed anyways I would not call it exactly the same, but it is hard to compare the old worn out LC one with the new Tundra one.

I don't recommend using the Tundra bushing. I am planning on talking to Energy Suspension in San Clemente about making a replacement kit. Stay tuned

On a side note, the bolts holding the bushing cap down are like the ones for the front recovery brackets only a bit longer...

 

[Boston Mangler]

Thakns for the update Brian!

Since total chaos is close, maybe they might be able to tweak it?

 

[calamaridog]

Thakns for the update Brian!

Since total chaos is close, maybe they might be able to tweak it?

I'm fairly sure they don't make them in house. It fit, and the rack is quite secure, it just doesn't fit exactly like it should. I'll head over to Energy Suspension if I can or call them.

 

[rockclmbr]

Hey guys,

Ever since I installed the front end lift (Carl's UCA, Slee Diff Drop, Bilsteins and OME Torsion bars) I noticed a groaning from the power steering and the ability to flip U-turns like I was in a golf cart!

I4C4LO helped me diagnose it today and we found the steering bushings to be worn. And.... when turning the steering wheel from one side to the other, the power steering hose pulsated violently. What do you think is the issue here??

Based on the consensus here, it looks like just replacing the $25 PS Bushing will temporarily fix this issue?

If I don't get the entire steering rack replaced, what catastrophes await me??

 

[alexchok]

How much does it cost to replace the whole steering rack? In the FSM, it looks like the rack can be serviced by replacing things like the oil seals. Has anyone does this before or is it just better to change the whole rack?

Wish there was an FAQ with pics from ppl who have changed one before

 

[1loudLX]

ask john, he's had it done a few times.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

ask john, he's had it done a few times.

Ahhhh, crud....let's see....I think my price was $380 for the rack (there is a core fee as well). Labor I think was about $200-240. I wanna say it was about $600-700 total. It's been a while. I'm due for another one (probably after Ouray this July).

 

[rockclmbr]

John,

Why don't you purchase a bulk rate of steering racks if you get so many of them performed?

This is a bigger issue than it seems if you have had multiple units fail on you.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

John,

Why don't you purchase a bulk rate of steering racks if you get so many of them performed?

This is a bigger issue than it seems if you have had multiple units fail on you.

Yes, I'm an invester in the maker that Toyota sources their racks from....they're called "Rakasushi". My mission is to sell more racks so I get a better return so I post up on LC forums.

 

[alexchok]

Ahhhh, crud....let's see....I think my price was $380 for the rack (there is a core fee as well). Labor I think was about $200-240. I wanna say it was about $600-700 total. It's been a while. I'm due for another one (probably after Ouray this July).

$380, is that the maval reconditioned racks? Sigh... $600 - $700 total was hoping there'd be a cheaper alternative to replacing the whole thing.

BTW what are the symptoms of a failed steering rack on the 100. Most ppl just change the rack bushes when the steering gets sloppy.. what other symptoms are there on a failed rack?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

$380, is that the maval reconditioned racks? Sigh... $600 - $700 total was hoping there'd be a cheaper alternative to replacing the whole thing.

BTW what are the symptoms of a failed steering rack on the 100. Most ppl just change the rack bushes when the steering gets sloppy.. what other symptoms are there on a failed rack?

Re-man'd racks from Toyota.

2 were changed due to play in steering. Noise in steering too.
1 was changed due to severe leak starting on a trip. JUST made it home.

 

[rockclmbr]

I called my local shop and a Toyota re-manufactured Steering Rack runs $421. Still pricey IMHO. What do you think the chance of a re-manu will last just as long as a new one?

My steering makes a lot of groaning noise too, will this go away with a new steering rack or is the pump going?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I had the same sucess with re-mans as new. I doubt it's your pump. You might want to baby sit the fluid level as it might eliminate the groan.

 

[rockclmbr]

ok, thanks!

 

[alexchok]

Re-man'd racks from Toyota.

2 were changed due to play in steering. Noise in steering too.
1 was changed due to severe leak starting on a trip. JUST made it home.

Can u elaborate a bit more on the steering play and noise? The reason I ask is because I have some problems with my steering linkage too, I changed the rack bushes, the steering joints and last on my list is the intermediate shaft and finally the steering rack.

I still have a bit of play when I hit a rough patch of road.

Rack is last cos its the most expensive

Thanks.

 

[1loudLX]

Reman'd here in NY is over 500, checked yesterday...daymnnn

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Can u elaborate a bit more on the steering play and noise? The reason I ask is because I have some problems with my steering linkage too, I changed the rack bushes, the steering joints and last on my list is the intermediate shaft and finally the steering rack.

I still have a bit of play when I hit a rough patch of road.

Rack is last cos its the most expensive

Thanks.

I bit of play around the center is normal. When my first two were "going" I heard and felt thumps as I'd go over rocks and such. I'd also feel more Left to Right play off-center. In other words things felt "loose".

 

[i4c4lo]

Jasper,

Call Stevens Creek Toyota (408.984.2311) they honor TLCA and as much as 25% off.

 

[rockclmbr]

Long story....


I got a reman steering rack from Toyota and went to the only shop I've trusted and they said the computer said only 2hrs. I asked if they had performed it before on the 100 series LC and they confirmed they have done 3.

I dropped it off first thing Tuesday morning at 9am.
No call or response from my messages so I go over there at 6pm and find it still torn apart. They said it is much harder than any other Rack and Pinion they've done before. No chit Shurlock!

Wed at 4pm they are finally done, the wife takes it over to the alignment shop and they guy says the steering is 2 revolutions off center to the right. apparently they did not center the wheels to the steering wheel and the alignment shop informed me that this would cause excessive load on the CV when turning to the right and when making a left U-turn, it could require a 2 point turn to make it. *sigh*

Meanwhile we have a wedding to go to 4hours away and are already a day late for the festivities. I am back at the shop having them realign the steering pinion to the rack so that it is centered. Then I have to take it back to the alignment shop and get it aligned before I hit the road. Extremely frustrating! Another reason I do most of the work myself on my own time. Unfortunately with Rubithon I didn't have a chance to get to it until 2 days before my trip.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Wow...that sucks. Sorry you're having that trouble!