Im thinking Steering Rack?

[tyota]

So, I have been looking for a clunk that I can hear/feel when I hit bumps for a while now. Last week I had my buddy help me diagnose it, and we could hear/feel a clunk when you moved the tire from the 9 and 3 position. This is typically tie rod related, and it felt and sounded like the outer tie rod, but I couldnt see any movement there. So, I decided to replace the outer tie rod and found the stock one to be loose. But with the OTR replaced, the sound/ feel is still there. While replacing the OTR, I found that the inner is worn to the point that it will not hold itself up but i cannot get any play out of it. Today I had a buddy move the tire with the boot pulled back and there seems to be play through the steering rack itself. I also found steering fluid in the boot that I took off. So, I believe the entire steering rack needs to be replaced. Do you think I,am correct in this?
I read all the posts on this topic and there are a bunch of them, so thanks for all of that.
I remember a bunch of people saying they used a remanufactured rack from caw or ctm or something like that, but Ive been unsuccessful in finding that brand again. Does anyone know what that brand is?
Let me know if you have any new tips or hints or ideas on this.
Very much,appreciated all.
TYOTA

 

[paulyfish]

So, I have been looking for a clunk that I can hear/feel when I hit bumps for a while now. Last week I had my buddy help me diagnose it, and we could hear/feel a clunk when you moved the tire from the 9 and 3 position. This is typically tie rod related, and it felt and sounded like the outer tie rod, but I couldnt see any movement there. So, I decided to replace the outer tie rod and found the stock one to be loose. But with the OTR replaced, the sound/ feel is still there. While replacing the OTR, I found that the inner is worn to the point that it will not hold itself up but i cannot get any play out of it. Today I had a buddy move the tire with the boot pulled back and there seems to be play through the steering rack itself. I also found steering fluid in the boot that I took off. So, I believe the entire steering rack needs to be replaced. Do you think I,am correct in this?
I read all the posts on this topic and there are a bunch of them, so thanks for all of that.
I remember a bunch of people saying they used a remanufactured rack from caw or ctm or something like that, but Ive been unsuccessful in finding that brand again. Does anyone know what that brand is?
Let me know if you have any new tips or hints or ideas on this.
Very much,appreciated all.
TYOTA

I think I just went thru the same thing..., did same tests, all lead in an incorrect direction.
Hardcore TOY mechanic told what it most likely was the Steering shaft Joint, didn't make any sense to me, but hey I would have spent a lot of money fixing everything else it wasn't... said he sees it all the time in high mile 4th gen T4R's... did exactly what he said. MAGIC!
Part Name is Steering Shaft Sub-Assy 45203-35310
It would be cool if this works for you.
Paul

 

[Greydog]

I would also just do the inner toe rods too on both sides. Alt cheaper than a rack, and you'll end up doing with the rack anyway vs leaving idle parts on.

My experience was they rattled over bumps, not really a clunk though.

 

[tyota]

My concern with that is that if I replace the inner tie rods for ~$100 and it doesnt fix the problem, I am going to get a rack for ~$350, and the racks come with inner tie rods. I checked that steering shaft joint, and everything seems normal there.

 

[HokieRunner]

I used a reman from CVJ axles in CO. Easy swap in. Bushings on the rack were also shot which played a big part in the sloppy steering.