Steering Rack Replacement, What's the Latest Word? (2 Viewers)

[medtro]

I wouldn't change the rack unless it is leaking. The red thing in your picture looks like grease to me, or is it red ice?

 

[Mike NXP]

I wouldn't change the rack unless it is leaking. The red thing in your picture looks like grease to me, or is it red ice?

The grease in those boots is a cream color from the factory. The red coming out appears to be PS ( red ATF ) fluid mixing with the grease. Otherwise a reboot was my first thought. This rack seems cursed.

 

[medtro]

Do you have ATF drops on the ground when parked overnight? I had a bad leak, big spot on the ground when parked overnight, it was cured by AT-205.

 

[Mike NXP]

Do you have ATF drops on the ground when parked overnight? I had a bad leak, big spot on the ground when parked overnight, it was cured by AT-205.

Not yet, the leak is super slow but it's just disappointing how poorly this rack has performed. I'd be a small miracle if Toyota warrantied it so I may be destined to spend more money on a repair that I just did. Could be worse I suppose.

 

[2001LC]

Good advice. My entire front end is new, and my fluid is flushed every 30k. I just had the dealer flush the system a few weeks ago. Could they have screwed something up to cause this? Probably not, I think that I just got screwed with a crappy remanufactured rack.


Looks like McGeorge has some decent sale prices going right now for the option I need.

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ATF is what is called for and is red. Ask them; which "Power Steering" fluid they used. They should say we don't we use PS fluid, we use Dexron II or III ATF as specified (which is embossed on the reservoir cap).

Weight the cost of new OEM LC R&P against the cost of a reman OEM, and it makes no sense to use reman.

I've installed one reman, which was in an LX w/VGRS. Those VGRS R&P are about $1,400 new. It had bad output seals leaks, which AT-205 is not very effective for. AT-205 does work well on input seal leaks. So I took it to a re-builder here in Denver (CVJ). I requested they rebuild it, and w/ OEM seals, inner TRE and Boots. Cost me $550.

 

[Mike NXP]

ATF is what is called for and is red. Ask them; which "Power Steering" fluid they used. They should say we don't we use PS fluid, we use Dexron II or III ATF as specified (which is embossed on the reservoir cap).

Weight the cost of new OEM LC R&P against the cost of a reman OEM, and it makes no sense to use reman.

I've installed one reman, which was in an LX w/VGRS. Those VGRS R&P are about $1,400 new. It had bad output seals leaks, which AT-205 is not very effective for. AT-205 does work well on input seal leaks. So I took it to a re-builder here in Denver (CVJ). I requested they rebuild it, and w/ OEM seals, inner TRE and Boots. Cost me $550.

They used ATF, they tried to us PS fluid and I made sure it was red ATF when serviced.

I had no clue I was getting a reman, I didn't think too hard when they quoted me for the repair until afterward and I saw the -84 on the part number.

Think it's time to count my loses and order a new rack and get ready to pay for this repair a second time.

 

[Eyedaho]

ATF is what is called for and is red. Ask them; which "Power Steering" fluid they used. They should say we don't we use PS fluid, we use Dexron II or III ATF as specified (which is embossed on the reservoir cap).

Weight the cost of new OEM LC R&P against the cost of a reman OEM, and it makes no sense to use reman.

I've installed one reman, which was in an LX w/VGRS. Those VGRS R&P are about $1,400 new. It had bad output seals leaks, which AT-205 is not very effective for. AT-205 does work well on input seal leaks. So I took it to a re-builder here in Denver (CVJ). I requested they rebuild it, and w/ OEM seals, inner TRE and Boots. Cost me $550.

Yikes! I'm glad I don't have VGRS. I paid $501 with free shipping for a new OEM rack for my '99, but that was in May of 2021 so might be more now.

 

[medtro]

Not yet, the leak is super slow but it's just disappointing how poorly this rack has performed. I'd be a small miracle if Toyota warrantied it so I may be destined to spend more money on a repair that I just did. Could be worse I suppose.

I have seen one Toyota rack (not reman) leaked within a year. The owner was able to get Toyota to replace it with a new one for free. No question asked. Check it frequently for the first year if you get a new one.

 

[Mike NXP]

Yeah, it's 50/50 chance. The fact that it's a reman may make it less likely. Just seems absurd for anything installed and purchased from Toyota to fail in less than 20k miles.

Was surprised to see Partsouq price so much higher than the rack in the US. They are listed at $1,100+ but latest pricing in the US is under $700

 

[Eyedaho]

Yeah, it's 50/50 chance. The fact that it's a reman may make it less likely. Just seems absurd for anything installed and purchased from Toyota to fail in less than 20k miles.

Was surprised to see Partsouq price so much higher than the rack in the US. They are listed at $1,100+ but latest pricing in the US is under $700

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And some places (Salinas for one) have the free shipping for orders over $75. That's where I got mine for $501, but they show $674 now for p/n 4425060050.

 

[Mike NXP]

And some places (Salinas for one) have the free shipping for orders over $75. That's where I got mine for $501, but they show $674 now for p/n 4425060050.

Good tip on the free ship, I'll check them out.

 

[Mike NXP]

Toyota is going to warranty the remanufactured rack that failed and replace it with a new one. Small miracle since it's over 1 year but looking forward to comparing the new unit VS the symptoms I've had with this remanufactured junk.

Local dealer has been nothing but helpful with this vehicle , not sure why everyone bashes dealer services. Just need to be clear with them on what you expect to be done..

 

[GVegasG]

Hello. I noticed oil spots on my driveway. Sure enough it is the power steering fluid.
I have to admit that I have never flushed the system. It was on the do list but did not get to it soon enough.
It is leaking from the driver side - around the control valve.
I believe that rebuild will fix it but not sure it is worth the risk.
Regarding rebuild, seems like these kits or maybe one should do it
44456-00080 gasket kit for rack which I think contains 445560050 gasket kit for control valve. If anyone know please let me know.
The new one is $700+ but I think that is where I am leaning because of amount of work involved.
Car only has 189k. Thanks in advance for suggestion or pointers.

 

[Bisho]

Hello. I noticed oil spots on my driveway. Sure enough it is the power steering fluid.
I have to admit that I have never flushed the system. It was on the do list but did not get to it soon enough.
It is leaking from the driver side - around the control valve.
I believe that rebuild will fix it but not sure it is worth the risk.
Regarding rebuild, seems like these kits or maybe one should do it
44456-00080 gasket kit for rack which I think contains 445560050 gasket kit for control valve. If anyone know please let me know.
The new one is $700+ but I think that is where I am leaning because of amount of work involved.
Car only has 189k. Thanks in advance for suggestion or pointers.

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I seriously thought about rebuilding, but you're going to be into it for half the cost, and still have bushings and shafts/gears with 189k miles on them, so it seems like a lost cause.

Now, I would get a bottle of AT-205 and some ATF, flush the system and add the appropriate amount of AT-205. It may stop your leak, or at least slow it down to a nuisance level. It worked on my rack (at 240k) and I finally replaced the rack at 280k because the bushings were shot.

 

[Eyedaho]

I seriously thought about rebuilding, but you're going to be into it for half the cost, and still have bushings and shafts/gears with 189k miles on them, so it seems like a lost cause.

Now, I would get a bottle of AT-205 and some ATF, flush the system and add the appropriate amount of AT-205. It may stop your leak, or at least slow it down to a nuisance level. It worked on my rack (at 240k) and I finally replaced the rack at 280k because the bushings were shot.

I agree. AT-205 for now and pick up a new OEM rack next time there's a good sale.

 

[dbleon]

I’ve had good success slowing leaks on my 60 series gear box with the thick red syrup Lucas stop leak mixed with ATF.

Has anyone tried the Lucas on the 100 series rack?

 

[Bull Moose 100]

I agree. AT-205 for now and pick up a new OEM rack next time there's a good sale.

I'm about to add AT-205 as preventative maintenance

 

[Squashola]

Anyone done any research on the best price for the VGRS rack and pinion OEM? Best price I have seen is about $790 plus shipping.

 

[Mike NXP]

Anyone done any research on the best price for the VGRS rack and pinion OEM? Best price I have seen is about $790 plus shipping.

Put the part number in Google , it will do all the research necessary in about .2 seconds .

Partsouq overseas is usually cheapest

Mcgeorge Toyota here in the US has great support online that responds quick and their pricing is good .

 

[2001LC]

Anyone done any research on the best price for the VGRS rack and pinion OEM? Best price I have seen is about $790 plus shipping.

Where did you find: Sub 44250-60120 (Old 44200-60120) R&P 03-07 LX (VGRS Black paint) for $790?

VGRS R&P is a Lexus only part.