Steering rack while-your-at-its (1 Viewer)

[ninedude]

I have a 1999 LX470 with 275k miles that is slowly leaking steering fluid. Research indicates that I am going to have to tackle the steering rack assembly.
Just wondering what other things I should do while I'm in there? The manifold isn't leaking, and I'm figuring that's probably an annoying enough job that I should just leave it alone until it does (unless someone convinces me otherwise).

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Timing belt and bits inside that need replacing. As I recall when I did my timing belt and bits replacement, the steering rack was in clear sight. I did not need to do mine since it was good.

 

[BullElk]

Put AT-205 reseal in steering reservoir and forget about the steering rack for a good while. You can get many more miles and likely a few more years out of it. Of course, that’s if you’re interested in getting the most you can from your LX for the least money.

 

[2001LC]

HP union gasket. Either two copper or newer horseshoe (two join together).
TRE's, if old marginal, is a good idea.
Horseshoe grommet (large rubber bushing on PS side). 1998-02
Mounting bolts. FSM recommends these be replaced. Typically I inspect. If bolts not damage or rusted, I reuse. The new horseshoe bolts, show sealant on threads. So if reusing, best to add thread sealer (locker).
Oil filter, but can reuse old.

 

[2001LC]

I have a 1999 LX470 with 275k miles that is slowly leaking steering fluid. Research indicates that I am going to have to tackle the steering rack assembly.
Just wondering what other things I should do while I'm in there?

Mild leak at output shaft and bad mounting bushing. Or bad leak at output shafts (inner TRE boots filling with fluid). Then I'd R&R R&P.
Also some of these aftermarket racks are junk. They tend to have to light preload on pinion. Result in a tiny bit loose steering feel (i hate that). So I like swapping in OEM R&P.

The manifold isn't leaking, and I'm figuring that's probably an annoying enough job that I should just leave it alone until it does (unless someone convinces me otherwise).

Not sure which manifold(s) intake or exhaust, your talking about. But these are not what I'd call while in there during R&P R&R, certainly not Intake manifold.

The BK 1 exhaust manifold, requires intermediate shaft be removed. But that's only 1 bolt (input shaft union clamp) in common with R&P R&R. So only if exhaust manifold is cracked, would this make any sense at all.

 

[ninedude]

Mild leak at output shaft and bad mounting bushing. Or bad leak at output shafts (inner TRE boots filling with fluid). Then I'd R&R R&P.
Also some of these aftermarket racks are junk. They tend to have to light preload on pinion. Result in a tiny bit loose steering feel (i hate that). So I like swapping in OEM R&P.


Not sure which manifold(s) intake or exhaust, your talking about. But these are not what I'd call while in there during R&P R&R, certainly not Intake manifold.

The BK 1 exhaust manifold, requires intermediate shaft be removed. But that's only 1 bolt (input shaft union clamp) in common with R&P R&R. So only if exhaust manifold is cracked, would this make any sense at all.

Thanks for the response!
According to the previous owner, the leak only requires adding a bit of fluid every few months. He included a half-full quart, and said it took 2 years to use the first half. The stop leak advised here, I forget the exact name, has already been added.
The steering feels pretty good.
I'll attach some pictures on the leak at the boots but it sounds like you already know what it looks like.

I'm at 100k on the timing belt maintenance and the truck has 275k on the odometer so I figured this was probably a good time to get it done, but I'm certainly soliciting opinions and can think of other ways to spend a weekend and 650.00!