3rd party steering gear installs over time?

[Kung]

I know there's a metric butt-ton of steering rack threads that all amount to "Which one should I buy?"

I'm not too concerned about that; I'm either going to go with one of the three:

- an OEM
- an aftermarket made by Maval (as I hear they're actual rebuilt OEM)
- one from CarSteering.com

What I WOULD like to know is information on those who have replaced their OEM steering racks with aftermarkets a year or two ago or so, and how they've held up.

FYI - have done the bushing fix; haven't done the steering guide fix as I've been told by more than a few reliable sources that it won't necessarily totally resolve the issue, and may make things worse.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Although the steering guide fix didn't work for me, I think the shop that did the labor might have over tightened or something ....

If you are going to be doing the rack anyways you should try the steering guide fix first since it only costs $50 ish in parts and a refurbished rack with warranty costs at least $500.

 

[Kung]

You were one of the ones, I thought, who said DON'T replace it as it doesn't always work.

 

[1985taylor1925]

I will never buy another remanufactured rack. Im on my second one now, and its garbage. There are some threads on the forum about how the 3rd gen rack does not work well rebuilt, as the issues stem from metal to metal tolerance wear. Once those areas are worn down a rebuild is pointless. Though I dont have any links at the moment.

The rack I plan on getting is on this page.

Safari LTD - Parts (New, Used Toyota, Lexus & Scion Parts)

The company is in Grand Junction, CO. I have been emailing them to get info on the rack, and spoke with a guy on the phone on Tuesday. Its a brand new rack (not remanufactured) made in the U.S. The guy told me it was redesigned with tighter tolerances and stronger material to eliminate the issues that plague the 3rd gen rack. He said they've had nothing but good reviews. 2 year warranty and $200 cheaper than a new Toyota rack.

 

[BamaDrewski]

I purchased a brand new rack from CarSteering.com for $345. After 13 years on the original rack, I decided to have a local mechanic shop put it on. They charged $250 for the labor and a $100 bucks to flush the entire brake fluid system before the new rack install. Of course, they did an alignment too. I also purchased new tie rod ends from CarQuest which turned out to be Raybestos brand - MADE IN JAPAN! I am really, really pleased with my decision to go this route. The truck is very tight, the rack was EXCELLENT QUALITY and an exact fit. And NO - I don't work for the vendor I purchased this from.

 

[Dous]

I got a brand new OEM rack from Mid Atlantic Toyota for a hair over 500 shipped....real good value

 

[BrianSD_42]

You were one of the ones, I thought, who said DON'T replace it as it doesn't always work.

You know I would never say it ALWAYS doesn't work ...

 

[BrianSD_42]

The rack I plan on getting is on this page.

Safari LTD - Parts (New, Used Toyota, Lexus & Scion Parts)

The company is in Grand Junction, CO.

I see you mentioned it is $200 less than OEM. Do you mind stating the total price without shipping? Thanks.

 

[audiness]

what symptoms lead you to believe you need a new steering rack?

 

[1985taylor1925]

I got a brand new OEM rack from Mid Atlantic Toyota for a hair over 500 shipped....real good value

I see you mentioned it is $200 less than OEM. Do you mind stating the total price without shipping? Thanks.

I didnt know you could get an OEM rack for 500. Safari LTD's rack is 475 before shipping. But he said this rack was designed to eliminate the weak points in the OEM rack and they've had nothing but good reviews from customers. And the warranty is 2 years. Toyota's warranty is 1 year.

 

[Kung]

You know I would never say it ALWAYS doesn't work ...

I didn't say that. I said you mentioned that it 'doesn't always' work - e.g., sometimes it works, sometimes not.

This being said...the thing (steering rack guide) was replaced, and it still wobbles some. I actually didn't do it - was having my spark plugs, oil and valve cover gaskets replaced, and they did the steering rack guide for free.

If I'm still getting some wobbling, I assume I should get down there and tighten/adjust it some prior to assuming it's a lost cause and purchasing another steering rack?