User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 12-13-2020, 01:06 PM #1
D'arce D'arce is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Posts: 181
D'arce will become famous soon enough
D'arce D'arce is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Posts: 181
D'arce will become famous soon enough
Oil in steering rack boots...

I have taken the outer tie rod ends as well as the inner tie rod ends off. When I removed the boot about a tablespoon dumped from the drivers side and a quarter cup from the passenger side boot. How much if any is normal to see here? Is my steering rack in need of replacement?
__________________
1996 4Runner with a 3rz-fe, e-locker and 5spd
2005 Passat TDI 5spd swapped
1997 E350 4x4 7.3 Powerstroke
D'arce is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-13-2020, 03:35 PM #2
Kanoe's Avatar
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
Kanoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
Mine both had a bit. More toward the tablespoon amount. Not sure if it’s normal but doesn’t seem to bother anything.
__________________
-1996 4Runner. 3RZ 5-Spd. 4x4 Base model. OME2906/Toyota OEM rears with 2004 Tacoma Dual Rate Fronts on Bilstien 4600s.
-1993 Corolla Wagon 7AFE
-2001 Echo D.D.
Kanoe is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-13-2020, 04:06 PM #3
Pj Benn Pj Benn is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Oahu
Posts: 170
Pj Benn is on a distinguished road
Pj Benn Pj Benn is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Oahu
Posts: 170
Pj Benn is on a distinguished road
Just happened to me the other day when I was ready to do inner and outer tie rods. Decided I’d rather just replace the rack now instead of changing them and the rack go bad in the near future
__________________
🤙🏽
Pj Benn is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-13-2020, 04:21 PM #4
alumarine alumarine is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 900
alumarine has a spectacular aura about alumarine has a spectacular aura about
alumarine alumarine is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 900
alumarine has a spectacular aura about alumarine has a spectacular aura about
Do you have to add fluid to the power steering reservoir very often?
It could be a 20 year old slow leak.
__________________
2000 4runner 4wd Auto V6 - Tru-Cool LPD4454 trans cooler in series
1991 4runner 4wd Auto V6
1990 4runner 4wd Auto V6
alumarine is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-13-2020, 04:58 PM #5
mtbtim's Avatar
mtbtim mtbtim is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: San Jose, California
Age: 58
Posts: 5,264
Real Name: Tim
mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute
mtbtim mtbtim is offline
Elite Member
mtbtim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: San Jose, California
Age: 58
Posts: 5,264
Real Name: Tim
mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute
If the leak isn't that bad and you're steering is working fine, don't worry about it. Keep an eye on your power steering level at the reservoir and carry on with your life with more money in your pocket. The steering rack on my 2000 is leaking like yours and I'm doing exactly what I'm telling you to do. Ignore it as long as the leak isn't severe. An OEM rack is fairly expensive, around $500. Aftermarket racks are usually crap and fail prematurely.
__________________
"My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it!"
mtbtim is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-13-2020, 10:54 PM #6
D'arce D'arce is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Posts: 181
D'arce will become famous soon enough
D'arce D'arce is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Posts: 181
D'arce will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by alumarine View Post
Do you have to add fluid to the power steering reservoir very often?
It could be a 20 year old slow leak.
I've had the truck 2 years and never noticed the level low or even changing. I am changing out the upper and lower control arms as well as the rack bushings so I pulled the rack just to make life easier.

Thankfully I have a 99 junker that I'm pulling parts from. I checked the boots on that one while waiting for a response here and they are bone dry so I pulled it and am going to run that one. I agree that it was probably a 20 year old slow leak. The high pressure line was an absolute bear to break free without ruining it.

It's too bad these cant be re-sealed...
__________________
1996 4Runner with a 3rz-fe, e-locker and 5spd
2005 Passat TDI 5spd swapped
1997 E350 4x4 7.3 Powerstroke
D'arce is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 01:13 PM #7
T4R2014's Avatar
T4R2014 T4R2014 is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Shangrila
Posts: 5,037
T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold
T4R2014 T4R2014 is offline
Elite Member
T4R2014's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Shangrila
Posts: 5,037
T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold
I think every 4Runner could use a steering rack after 20 years on the road. Even if it isn't leaking there will be some play that you can't fix with parts.
T4R2014 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 03:16 PM #8
fourfive's Avatar
fourfive fourfive is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Marietta, Georgia
Posts: 1,500
fourfive is a jewel in the rough fourfive is a jewel in the rough fourfive is a jewel in the rough fourfive is a jewel in the rough
fourfive fourfive is offline
Senior Member
fourfive's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Marietta, Georgia
Posts: 1,500
fourfive is a jewel in the rough fourfive is a jewel in the rough fourfive is a jewel in the rough fourfive is a jewel in the rough
Quote:
Originally Posted by T4R2014 View Post
I think every 4Runner could use a steering rack after 20 years on the road. Even if it isn't leaking there will be some play that you can't fix with parts.
This is probably true. I've replaced the OTRE, ITRE, LBJ, bushings & rack guide over the last several years. All OEM parts other than the poly bushings. I had about a shot glass worth of what looked like thinned out dark grease in my ITRE boots when I replaced those parts in 2015. No noticeable drop in power steering fluid levels.

My steering column or rack has some lateral play which I can feel in the steering wheel (I can push my steering wheel about 1/8" to the left & right) & has a popping sound when turning the wheel in parking lots. I confirmed the lateral play wasn't from the slip joint on the steering shaft when I removed the steering assembly earlier this year. I don't remember exactly when these symptoms started but has been going on for at least 4-5 years. Since I've replaced just about everything that's replaceable, a new steering rack is probably in my future.
__________________
1. Black 2002 SR5 4x4 5vz: Front Toytec Ultimate coilovers/eibach 600#, SPC UCA, durobumps Rear Bil5100/Superflex, SS adjustable panhard, PCK, durobumps Body Lift 2" 4crawler Tires 315/75/16 BFG KO2 Wheels SCS F5 Matte black 16x8 3.5bs Armor Custom bolt on rock sliders (no frame drilling)
2. Black 2001 SR5 4x4 5vz: stock
3. Black 2018 TRD Pro (wife’s): Armor Custom bolt on rock sliders (U-bolts)
fourfive is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 04:06 PM #9
T4R2014's Avatar
T4R2014 T4R2014 is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Shangrila
Posts: 5,037
T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold
T4R2014 T4R2014 is offline
Elite Member
T4R2014's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Shangrila
Posts: 5,037
T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold
Quote:
Originally Posted by fourfive View Post
This is probably true. I've replaced the OTRE, ITRE, LBJ, bushings & rack guide over the last several years. All OEM parts other than the poly bushings. I had about a shot glass worth of what looked like thinned out dark grease in my ITRE boots when I replaced those parts in 2015. No noticeable drop in power steering fluid levels.

My steering column or rack has some lateral play which I can feel in the steering wheel (I can push my steering wheel about 1/8" to the left & right) & has a popping sound when turning the wheel in parking lots. I confirmed the lateral play wasn't from the slip joint on the steering shaft when I removed the steering assembly earlier this year. I don't remember exactly when these symptoms started but has been going on for at least 4-5 years. Since I've replaced just about everything that's replaceable, a new steering rack is probably in my future.
Yup, and all the money spent could've gotten a new rack. If you can swallow the upfront cost, a new rack is the end-all solution.
T4R2014 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 09:36 PM #10
mtbtim's Avatar
mtbtim mtbtim is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: San Jose, California
Age: 58
Posts: 5,264
Real Name: Tim
mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute
mtbtim mtbtim is offline
Elite Member
mtbtim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: San Jose, California
Age: 58
Posts: 5,264
Real Name: Tim
mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute
Quote:
Originally Posted by T4R2014 View Post
I think every 4Runner could use a steering rack after 20 years on the road. Even if it isn't leaking there will be some play that you can't fix with parts.
I'm going to disagree with you. My 2000 4runner has 205,000 miles on it and it steers perfect. It leaks some like I stated in my post above, but it performs with zero issues. Why would I drop over $500 on a steering rack when it's performing fine with no play and zero issues? There's a saying that I quite often subscribe to as well as millions of others do as well. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Sometimes it's prudent to replace parts while you're in deep on a job because the labor to get back in that deep is extensive, like replacing the rear main seal while doing a clutch replacement.

My steering would have to be causing my front end to wander making it a safely issue for me to want to spend the time and money to replace it. This is my two and a half cents on this subject.
__________________
"My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it!"
mtbtim is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-15-2020, 01:23 AM #11
Pj Benn Pj Benn is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Oahu
Posts: 170
Pj Benn is on a distinguished road
Pj Benn Pj Benn is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Oahu
Posts: 170
Pj Benn is on a distinguished road
Parts alone (oem) for inner tie rods come out to about $300 already. if you want to update the rack guide and bushings with oem too it’s probably worth it to just pay for a brand new rack imho. A worn old rack with a slow leak could be ok enough but probably could be better right? I guess I’ll find out when I swap mine in a few weeks
__________________
🤙🏽
Pj Benn is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-15-2020, 01:35 AM #12
T4R2014's Avatar
T4R2014 T4R2014 is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Shangrila
Posts: 5,037
T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold
T4R2014 T4R2014 is offline
Elite Member
T4R2014's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Shangrila
Posts: 5,037
T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold T4R2014 is a splendid one to behold
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbtim View Post
I'm going to disagree with you. My 2000 4runner has 205,000 miles on it and it steers perfect. It leaks some like I stated in my post above, but it performs with zero issues. Why would I drop over $500 on a steering rack when it's performing fine with no play and zero issues? There's a saying that I quite often subscribe to as well as millions of others do as well. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Sometimes it's prudent to replace parts while you're in deep on a job because the labor to get back in that deep is extensive, like replacing the rear main seal while doing a clutch replacement.

My steering would have to be causing my front end to wander making it a safely issue for me to want to spend the time and money to replace it. This is my two and a half cents on this subject.
I mean, that leak won't fix itself. Not what I call zero issues. Plus what's a $500 when you DIY? Sometimes you're better off just fixing something in one shot.

Last edited by T4R2014; 12-15-2020 at 01:37 AM.
T4R2014 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-15-2020, 12:04 PM #13
mtbtim's Avatar
mtbtim mtbtim is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: San Jose, California
Age: 58
Posts: 5,264
Real Name: Tim
mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute
mtbtim mtbtim is offline
Elite Member
mtbtim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: San Jose, California
Age: 58
Posts: 5,264
Real Name: Tim
mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute mtbtim has a reputation beyond repute
Quote:
Originally Posted by T4R2014 View Post
I mean, that leak won't fix itself. Not what I call zero issues. Plus what's a $500 when you DIY? Sometimes you're better off just fixing something in one shot.
Well yeah, the leak isn't going to fix itself, but when it's not a bad leak, just ignore it and carry on with your life. I had a Subaru Outback that had engine oil leaks galore, but did I stress about it? No, I didn't. I drove it like I stole it. I'm advocating that the OP do NOTHING, like I've done. Drive it and watch the level in the pump reservoir.

Like I said, a small leak with the steering rack seals isn't enough for me to want to drop the coin on an OEM rack and spend the time to replace it. If the leak was coupled with a performance/safety issue, then it's time to swap it out. But, if someone suffers from OCD and an oil leak is going to keep them up at night, then maybe it's necessary to swap it out because getting sleep is important for their health and well-being.
__________________
"My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it!"
mtbtim is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Tags
boot , rack , side , steering , tie

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Excessive play on drivers side steering - replace steering rack guide cheeser 3rd gen T4Rs 17 05-05-2022 08:15 PM
Are steering rack boots airtight? atalarico 3rd gen T4Rs 1 10-16-2016 09:09 PM
Power steering/steering rack question (need help fast) alex bland 3rd gen T4Rs 9 01-09-2010 07:37 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:18 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Copyright © 2020