Stiff, Heavy Steering, 2003 LC

[harrydunn]

New rack is going in regardless as it is leaking and won't pass inspection in year. I didn't flush the entire system, just took a peek at the reservoir screen yesterday. I did get the front end off the ground and the steering action literally felt just as heavy as it did with the tires on the ground which I thought surely couldn't be right. I'm leaning towards rack but man, I can't get the ball joints out of my head. They "look" very good with no cuts, etc but I know that isn't an accurate assessment. I didn't pull TRE's as it is going into the shop tomorrow for the rack. Once the rack is pulled they can easily test all suspicions. Thoughts on the steering being just as tight with wheels off ground? Gotta be rack or ball joints. I've 99% ruled out steering shaft u-joint(s).

 

[fooldall1]

Mine did exactly the same thing with the wheels off the ground.

 

[harrydunn]

That's good to hear, @fooldall1. Once I get this steering remedied, this thing is going to be one smooth operator. I've certainly learned a lot about the 100's IFS compared to my old 80 so it's not all bad that this has occurred. Looking at the positives!

 

[fooldall1]

It was like a whole new truck, I drove it for MONTHS with the heavy steering and it drove me NUTS. I replaced the PS pump, even. Thinking it was related to the pump pressure.

Soon as that rack went in with the new TREs.. I was a happy guy.

 

[harrydunn]

Yah, my wife complains that it wanders but it is actually the stiffness and it not wanting to return to center that is the wandering when she tries to make small inputs in the center range to keep it straight and tracking nicely. It's very pronounced. My TRE boots were cut a couple of weeks ago during an alignment (can't believe they just let it go like that) so I'm just going to go ahead and put new TRE's on it instead of trying a generic, universal boot.

 

[harrydunn]

Oh, and I went with a Detroit Axle rack. I was supplied the wrong part # for the the OEM Toyota rack. I thought that deal seemed a little too good to be true.

 

[fooldall1]

You'll see, the DA rack is quality. I have seen remans in the past that were spraypainted with what looks like Rhinoliner.. cheap looking. The DA rman looked brand new. I also got a OEM/Reman CV Axle from DA. Lifetime replacement warranty as well when you send your old rack back in.

I recommend getting the Moog version from Amazon for the TREs, turns out they're the 555's from Japan.

 

[harrydunn]

Rack was delivered. Despite the UPS guy trying to intentionally kick it down his delivery truck steps out of apparent irritation at its bulk, it appears to be of high quality and was packaged extremely well (luckily!). I worked at UPS briefly after college. Your boxes are not treated extremely well some times! Ha.

 

[harrydunn]

 

[fooldall1]

Rack was delivered. Despite the UPS guy trying to intentionally kick it down his delivery truck steps out of apparent irritation at its bulk, it appears to be of high quality and was packaged extremely well (luckily!). I worked at UPS briefly after college. Your boxes are not treated extremely well some times! Ha.

If you've seen the "cheap" remans, they're sprayed with some kind of rubberized spray and LOOOK cheap as F. This DA reman looked side by side Identical to the OEM part, and some of the DA parts looked even MORE solid (to me).

 

[harrydunn]

Yep, looked like they do a good job at DA. Fast shipping as well. Just dropped the rack off with my shop this morning.

 

[fooldall1]

Yep, looked like they do a good job at DA. Fast shipping as well. Just dropped the rack off with my shop this morning.

You're getting it back today? Be sure to update us.

 

[harrydunn]

Sure hope so. I reminded them to PLEASE check the ball joints and steering shaft u-joint while they have the rack out so they can be tested independently. Be a shame if they didn't.

 

[harrydunn]

Stopped by the shop after work. They’re going to wrap it up tomorrow BUT it is definitely NOT the ball joints. Rack was disconnected and I rotated each spindle and both were silky smooth. Good deal.

 

[harrydunn]

Well, one little bridge washer for the banjo bolt connection is holding this up. Trying to be patient! Apparently, this is intended to be a one-use washer (crush) It was leaking with the new rack.

 

[fooldall1]

That's odd. Have you contacted DA about that?

 

[harrydunn]

It’s part of the connection to the rack, not on the actual rack. New DA rack is fine. I don’t think even an OEM rack comes with any PS hose washers, etc. I think most folks reuse this double crush washer and luckily get away with it without any leaks.

 

[harrydunn]

Kudos to @fooldall1 . It was the rack. Drives great now. Hopefully this thread will help the next guy diagnose his heavy steering that isn’t returning to center properly. Check your fluid, alignment, ball joints, TRE’s, pump then rack.

 

[MATT0404]

Kudos to @fooldall1 . It was the rack. Drives great now. Hopefully this thread will help the next guy diagnose his heavy steering that isn’t returning to center properly. Check your fluid, alignment, ball joints, TRE’s, pump then rack.

Good to hear it solved your issue. I've been following along here awaiting your outcome as my steering isn't too stiff, but doesn't return to center very well. Looks like I need to start with fluid and go from there. Thanks for following up with your results.

 

[harrydunn]

Yep, no prob. Keep us posted on yours on this thread as well if you would.