randy88fj62
Member
This thread is a quick overview to help the average home wrencher how to replace the V8 Steering rack in a 4th gen 2008 4Runner.
Tools you will need other than standard wrenches:
19mm line wrench
tie rod end puller to remove outer tie rods from spindle/knuckle
22mm box end wrench
Tools that help make it easier but not mandatory
17mm line wrench (for low pressure in fitting on rack)
12mm stubby ratcheting wrench (for transmission hard line mount near passenger exhaust manifold)
OTC 6613 spanner wrench (for torquing pulley on to PS pump)
Torx E10 female star socket (for pulling top stud that hold PS pump to block)
Now that we have discussed tools we need to talk about getting the old one out. The hardest part was getting the steering shaft off of the PS rack. I used a breaker bar which wouldn't get it off completely and ended up hitting it off using a steel rod and a hammer. This was by far the most nerve wracking since I did not want to replace that shaft. You need to loosen the top two bolts on the shaft as well so the shaft will give slack and allow the end to come off.
The general stuff is self explanatory. Remove Outer Tie Rods from inner, then remove inner from rack. Then pull out. I have a diff drop and those two bolts needed to be removed to allow the rack to come out. You need to support the diff with a jack when you do this. Tie the steering wheel centered using your seat belt. If it moves during install then you'll be driving straight down the road with the wheel turned.
So you got the rack out? Then you go over and look at your brand new rack from Toyota. The inner and outer TRE's are completely installed on the rack. You need to remove the outer TREs to get the new rack in with the inner TREs still on the rack.
STOP! Before installing the rack you need to 'center the new rack'. Use a pair of adjustable pliers with electrical tape on the jaws so you don't damage the splines. Rotate the rack from lock to lock. Then mark the shaft and rotate it to verify the rack is centered. If you don't you can damage your steering wheel wires and when you go drive to get an alignment you may not be able to turn completely on one side.
To get the new one in your V8 oil filter needs to be removed and you need to loosen the wiring loom that runs under the engine block. The loose loom and the oil filter gone you can fit the passenger side in first then the driver's side.
Go SLOW and be patient. It sucks but it goes.
Power steering pump is self explanatory and if you need help with that then you shouldn't be doing the rack.
Tools you will need other than standard wrenches:
19mm line wrench
tie rod end puller to remove outer tie rods from spindle/knuckle
22mm box end wrench
Tools that help make it easier but not mandatory
17mm line wrench (for low pressure in fitting on rack)
12mm stubby ratcheting wrench (for transmission hard line mount near passenger exhaust manifold)
OTC 6613 spanner wrench (for torquing pulley on to PS pump)
Torx E10 female star socket (for pulling top stud that hold PS pump to block)
Now that we have discussed tools we need to talk about getting the old one out. The hardest part was getting the steering shaft off of the PS rack. I used a breaker bar which wouldn't get it off completely and ended up hitting it off using a steel rod and a hammer. This was by far the most nerve wracking since I did not want to replace that shaft. You need to loosen the top two bolts on the shaft as well so the shaft will give slack and allow the end to come off.
The general stuff is self explanatory. Remove Outer Tie Rods from inner, then remove inner from rack. Then pull out. I have a diff drop and those two bolts needed to be removed to allow the rack to come out. You need to support the diff with a jack when you do this. Tie the steering wheel centered using your seat belt. If it moves during install then you'll be driving straight down the road with the wheel turned.
So you got the rack out? Then you go over and look at your brand new rack from Toyota. The inner and outer TRE's are completely installed on the rack. You need to remove the outer TREs to get the new rack in with the inner TREs still on the rack.
STOP! Before installing the rack you need to 'center the new rack'. Use a pair of adjustable pliers with electrical tape on the jaws so you don't damage the splines. Rotate the rack from lock to lock. Then mark the shaft and rotate it to verify the rack is centered. If you don't you can damage your steering wheel wires and when you go drive to get an alignment you may not be able to turn completely on one side.
To get the new one in your V8 oil filter needs to be removed and you need to loosen the wiring loom that runs under the engine block. The loose loom and the oil filter gone you can fit the passenger side in first then the driver's side.
Go SLOW and be patient. It sucks but it goes.
Power steering pump is self explanatory and if you need help with that then you shouldn't be doing the rack.
