Steering Rack & Pinion problem? (1 Viewer)

[mccurdyp]

After experiencing difficulty turning the steering wheel I had a new Japanese made (apparently OEM) power steering pump installed. All seemed fine but then it started a periodic shake in steering then a drift to one side, so bad it was hard to maintain control. It was suggested it was the rack & pinion, so I had a rebuilt installed. (The vehicle is in Honduras, so I can't vouch for the quality of the rebuild). It still had the pull to one side, so after further checking it looked like a problem with the ball joints, so I had all 4 front ones replaced.

All seemed good!

But today while driving on a highway, after about 2 hours, it became difficult to make sharp turns in either direction, almost like it was losing power steering. I checked fluid level and belt and all was OK.
I stopped at a different mechanic's, and they're saying it may be the steering rack & pinion and it may just be an adjustment, or I may need to replace it. They couldn't see any leaks or loose parts.

Anyone have suggestions? In case it does need it, I was looking at rack & pinion replacement kits online for shipment to me here in Honduras. The Toyota part is very expensive so wondering about other brands like Detroit Axle. I know, OEM is probably best.

 

[nissanh]

The oem Toyota rack and pinion is probably $150 more than many remanufactured units.

 

[mccurdyp]

The oem Toyota rack and pinion is probably $150 more than many remanufactured units.

Yeah, not much. So you're saying OEM is better?

 

[okoverland]

After experiencing difficulty turning the steering wheel I had a new Japanese made (apparently OEM) power steering pump installed. All seemed fine but then it started a periodic shake in steering then a drift to one side, so bad it was hard to maintain control. It was suggested it was the rack & pinion, so I had a rebuilt installed. (The vehicle is in Honduras, so I can't vouch for the quality of the rebuild). It still had the pull to one side, so after further checking it looked like a problem with the ball joints, so I had all 4 front ones replaced.

All seemed good!

But today while driving on a highway, after about 2 hours, it became difficult to make sharp turns in either direction, almost like it was losing power steering. I checked fluid level and belt and all was OK.
I stopped at a different mechanic's, and they're saying it may be the steering rack & pinion and it may just be an adjustment, or I may need to replace it. They couldn't see any leaks or loose parts.

Anyone have suggestions? In case it does need it, I was looking at rack & pinion replacement kits online for shipment to me here in Honduras. The Toyota part is very expensive so wondering about other brands like Detroit Axle. I know, OEM is probably best.

I'm sure you are doing this... but make sure you are getting a proper wheel alignment done when any steering work is done.

 

[mccurdyp]

I'm sure you are doing this... but make sure you are getting a proper wheel alignment done when any steering work is done.

Yes - after the ball joints were replaced, had alignment done. Thanks

 

[2001LC]

After experiencing difficulty turning the steering wheel I had a new Japanese made (apparently OEM) power steering pump installed. All seemed fine but then it started a periodic shake in steering then a drift to one side, so bad it was hard to maintain control. It was suggested it was the rack & pinion, so I had a rebuilt installed. (The vehicle is in Honduras, so I can't vouch for the quality of the rebuild). It still had the pull to one side, so after further checking it looked like a problem with the ball joints, so I had all 4 front ones replaced.

All seemed good!

But today while driving on a highway, after about 2 hours, it became difficult to make sharp turns in either direction, almost like it was losing power steering. I checked fluid level and belt and all was OK.
I stopped at a different mechanic's, and they're saying it may be the steering rack & pinion and it may just be an adjustment, or I may need to replace it. They couldn't see any leaks or loose parts.

Anyone have suggestions? In case it does need it, I was looking at rack & pinion replacement kits online for shipment to me here in Honduras. The Toyota part is very expensive so wondering about other brands like Detroit Axle. I know, OEM is probably best.

It's important to list your vehicle yr, make, model, mileage, aftermarket add on, condition. etc. (signture line is great for this info)

A bad vane pump almost always leaks badly. But I've never heard of one causing "shaking" or "drift"

A bad rack & pinion (R&P) may make turning hard. This is more prevalent at low speeds. But more often they leak badly. Hard high speed steering is possible with bad R&P. But may indicate a pressure problem. Was your reservoir and it's screen cleaned or replaced? Do you have ATF fluid in the Power Steering, as it should be. Some fail to read what embossed on the cap "USE ATF" But use of power steering fluid rather than ATF. Is more often associated with hard steering when cold (cold morning before warm up)

Was Steering wheel shaking after few hours on HWY, while braking? If this when braking, than likely ( 9 out of 10 times) a brake rotor "warp" issue. This happens if brake rotor run-out is out of spec. Cure is to have rotors machine turned OTV. BTW: Best to use transmission to control down hill speed, not brakes!

If you've VGRS steering. You may have a very dangerous system failure beginning to show it's signs. VGRS is in USA LX470 from 03-07. Which the VGRS system uses a different R&P, than non ( Land cruiser) VGRS. 03-07 LX470 have a TSB out on them, where it states: Main shaft can come loose from steering. A snap ring can become dislodged and steering can be lost.

Wheel bearings are they tight, they should have zero play.

Has steering been centered and zero point calibration set (both done in tech stream)?

Any dash warning lights?
Any DTC found during tech steam scan?

 

[mccurdyp]

It's important to list your vehicle yr, make, model, mileage, aftermarket add on, condition. etc. (signture line is great for this info)

A bad vane pump almost always leaks badly. But I've never heard of one causing "shaking" or "drift"

A bad rack & pinion (R&P) may make turning hard. This is more prevalent at low speeds. But more often they leak badly. Hard high speed steering is possible with bad R&P. But may indicate a pressure problem. Was your reservoir and it's screen cleaned or replaced? Do you have ATF fluid in the Power Steering, as it should be. Some fail to read what embossed on the cap "USE ATF" But use of power steering fluid rather than ATF. Is more often associated with hard steering when cold (cold morning before warm up)

Was Steering wheel shaking after few hours on HWY, while braking? If this when braking, than likely ( 9 out of 10 times) a brake rotor "warp" issue. This happens if brake rotor run-out is out of spec. Cure is to have rotors machine turned OTV. BTW: Best to use transmission to control down hill speed, not brakes!

If you've VGRS steering. You may have a very dangerous system failure beginning to show it's signs. VGRS is in USA LX470 from 03-07. Which the VGRS system uses a different R&P, than non ( Land cruiser) VGRS. 03-07 LX470 have a TSB out on them, where it states: Main shaft can come loose from steering. A snap ring can become dislodged and steering can be lost.

Wheel bearings are they tight, they should have zero play.

Has steering been centered and zero point calibration set (both done in tech stream)?

Any dash warning lights?
Any DTC found during tech steam scan?

Wow - thank you for all the suggestions! I will definitely check it all out esp. ATF fluid in Power Steering - I'm pretty sure they used Power Steering fluid.
There are no leaks and shaking stopped after installing new ball joints. But steering feels a bit 'loose' and as I wrote, it's hard to make turns at any speed.
I was told yesterday to have the cover removed and get the rack & pinion adjusted - not sure what that involves but will be taking it to the local shop for them to look at. I will have them change the fluid to ATF.

 

[2001LC]

Wow - thank you for all the suggestions! I will definitely check it all out esp. ATF fluid in Power Steering - I'm pretty sure they used Power Steering fluid.
There are no leaks and shaking stopped after installing new ball joints. But steering feels a bit 'loose' and as I wrote, it's hard to make turns at any speed.
I was told yesterday to have the cover removed and get the rack & pinion adjusted - not sure what that involves but will be taking it to the local shop for them to look at. I will have them change the fluid to ATF.

Nice turbo diesel w/5spd manual. Sweet!

So you'd not have VRGS. So we can rule that out.

We've no cover plate to be removed and R&P adjusted.

When R&P replaced, did it include inner Tie rod end. Where outer TRE replaced at that time, or inspected.

Most don't set wheel bearing properly tight. I doubt it would cause hard steering. But check them just the same.

Steering Flush & Cleaning

Cleaning power steering reservoir and flushing it's fluid. Keeps Vane pump and rack & pinion in top condition. These step will help you get, a better idea on how to. Power wash reservoir & hoses using a degreaser, before starting service. Makes for cleaner job. Repeat, once all done with...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[mccurdyp]

Nice turbo diesel w/5spd manual. Sweet!

So you'd not have VRGS. So we can rule that out.

We've no cover plate to be removed and R&P adjusted.

When R&P replaced, did it include inner Tie rod end. Where outer TRE replaced at that time, or inspected.

Most don't set wheel bearing properly tight. I doubt it would cause hard steering. But check them just the same.

Steering Flush & Cleaning

Cleaning power steering reservoir and flushing it's fluid. Keeps Vane pump and rack & pinion in top condition. These step will help you get, a better idea on how to. Power wash reservoir & hoses using a degreaser, before starting service. Makes for cleaner job. Repeat, once all done with...

forum.ih8mud.com

I'm sure tie rod ends weren't replaced with R&P so will have them check those out. Also the wheel bearings.
BTW, they said they did use ATF in the power steering pump. But I may replace anyway just to be sure