Steering Rack

[Rolocado]

Apologies for bumping an old thread, but it seemed the most appropriate. I recently bought an LC 100 w 176,000 miles on it. I had it checked out by a Toyota master tech and he gave it a clean bill of health, which slightly surprised me as the steering feel was a little off to me (it was a little raspy, for lack of a better way of describing it). I chalked up what I was feeling to the LC being on a truck frame, etc. and I had never really driven a vehicle like it before. Anyhow, after noticing a slight pulse near lock and what seemed like odd play in the wheel I decided to have it checked out. After about 15 minutes I was informed that I needed a new rack and pinion and that it would be $1,600. I crawled under the LC when I got home and did notice that the boot was wet, but the leak had not yet made it down to the ground. Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about how I might further explore the situation here and figure out if I actually need a $1,600 replacement at this point. Picture attached, if it helps. View attachment 1454576

Your rack is hosed. Repairing it requires removing it and at that point you might as well replace it. Is your PS reservoir full?

 

[DayCruiser]

Your rack is hosed. Repairing it requires removing it and at that point you might as well replace it. Is your PS reservoir full?

They refilled it when they checked it out. Not sure what happened here as my garage floor is dry.

 

[bctlex]

Apologies for bumping an old thread, but it seemed the most appropriate. I recently bought an LC 100 w 176,000 miles on it. I had it checked out by a Toyota master tech and he gave it a clean bill of health, which slightly surprised me as the steering feel was a little off to me (it was a little raspy, for lack of a better way of describing it). I chalked up what I was feeling to the LC being on a truck frame, etc. and I had never really driven a vehicle like it before. Anyhow, after noticing a slight pulse near lock and what seemed like odd play in the wheel I decided to have it checked out. After about 15 minutes I was informed that I needed a new rack and pinion and that it would be $1,600. I crawled under the LC when I got home and did notice that the boot was wet, but the leak had not yet made it down to the ground. Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about how I might further explore the situation here and figure out if I actually need a $1,600 replacement at this point. Picture attached, if it helps.

The steering rack may have a play if the bushings are worn. Many of us have replace the bushings for the rack and that improves the steering feel (search for a thread how to do this). Also check the fluid. Has it been replaced? What color? It probably never been flushed, so I would completely flush it with new fluid. These two are cheap DIY to try out compare to new racks.

 

[2001LC]

First thing I like to do is take lots of pictures for inspection and comparison. Then clean with de-greaser. Once clean I take more picture. Now I watch close to confirm leaks location.

If leak is confirmed you have choices (rebuild, rebult, or new) if handy with a wrench. You can buy some time with AT-205 reseal if needed, possible years.

 

[Zapallo]

Hey guys, I got mine out of the truck and I'm trying to change the seals by myself hope this will fix the leaks on my truck here some pics of the job

 

[Zapallo]

I had to do a tool to take out the left side nut( as you can see I use a 1 inch square tube and 4 washers that I welded) and use heat to be able to turn it out still not getting the seals out but keep trying will upload more pics

 

[Hapyhour]

Mine has been leaking a little for 60000 miles. My 2001 lc100 has 343000 miles. I feel like I got my money's worth and will put it on list to replace soon