Need HELP PLEASE!

[jmildoc]

Ok so I need to replace inner and outer TRE's, I am going to replace a ball joint and a cv axle at the same time.

When I was checking everything else out this weekend I noticed that my steering rack has fluid on it and is leaking, although it doesnt leak enough to even drip on the floor, just seeping basically.

It comes out where the steering shaft goes into the rack, is this something that can be sealed? I am debating on changing the inner TRE if the rack needs replaced, but if there is something to stop the leaking or if it isn't enough to worry about then I will go ahead and change and cruise on.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[KidVermicious]

I have learned over the years that when one ball joint or tie rod end goes, the others aren't far behind. I'd do them all at once, upper and lower balljoints, inner and outer tie rod ends.

I'm no help about the rack, though. Got a Chiltons or FSM?

 

[jmildoc]

I have learned over the years that when one ball joint or tie rod end goes, the others aren't far behind. I'd do them all at once, upper and lower balljoints, inner and outer tie rod ends.

I'm no help about the rack, though. Got a Chiltons or FSM?

yeah i am doing everything but the upper ball joints, and driver lower, because the uppers can be done anytime and the driver lower i am going to replace when i exchange that CV axle on warranty, its only 5 months old. but yeah the rest is coming out and new stuff going in.

 

[Drcoffee]

Its most likely dripping from the valve covers. If you look up from under the rack, you will see the oil coating the back side of the engine down to the rack.

 

[jmildoc]

Its most likely dripping from the valve covers. If you look up from under the rack, you will see the oil coating the back side of the engine down to the rack.

that could definitely be the case, but the fluid is red. so i dont think i put red oil in it last time

 

[AZTOY]

that could definitely be the case, but the fluid is red. so i dont think i put red oil in it last time

My rack is in the same state and has been for the past year. From my research the seal is bad and fluid builds up and seeps out the boot. There is a write up to rebuild the rack somewhere. Like yours, mine doesn't create a puddle. The rack hasn't made any bad sounds. It is my DD and i use it on a lot of rock crawling trails. It doesn't seem any worse. The fluid doesn't get low.
I am not changing the rack until it starts acting like it is going bad.
I wouldn't replace the inner tie rod, messing with it may make things worse for now. I replaced the outer tie rod, CVs, and ball joints and left the inner tie rod alone.

 

[jmildoc]

anyone else have any info???????

 

[Brian757]

Can you get a better idea of what the fluid is?
Is it coolant? Tranny fluid? Windshield wiper fluid

 

[jmildoc]

Can you get a better idea of what the fluid is?
Is it coolant? Tranny fluid? Windshield wiper fluid

If you read my first post you would see it is steering rack fluid, i think i am just going to change out the inner and outer Tie rods and the pass side cv and ball joint that I have had laying around. and wait on the steering rack it isnt leaking much anyway. my dad always said if it aint broke, dont fix it. hwell:

 

[Brian757]

If you read my first post you would see it is steering rack fluid, i think i am just going to change out the inner and outer Tie rods and the pass side cv and ball joint that I have had laying around. and wait on the steering rack it isnt leaking much anyway. my dad always said if it aint broke, dont fix it. hwell:

Ah, read it wrong. Ok. If it is leaking, something is broken. So your fathers quote doesn't apply.
And I'm going to say do both sides. If your going to replace the TREs, UBJs, CVs and LBJs, why not get them all done.
And its not called steering rack fluid, your leaking power steering fluid..
Are you sure it is your rack thats leaking? Always check your rack and pinion, the pump, and send/receive hoses.

 

[jmildoc]

Ah, read it wrong. Ok. If it is leaking, something is broken. So your fathers quote doesn't apply.

technically it would be seeping, but yeah youre right. i just dont see the reason to buy a $300-$600 rack just cause it is seeping.

 

[jmildoc]

So. How do I remove the inner tie rod?

 

[sggaz]

Good procedure

This guy does good work:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102959-inner-tie-rod-removal-installation.html

I followed his writeup for LBJ and OTRE'S with no problems.

 

[WrexHAmm]

This guy does good work:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102959-inner-tie-rod-removal-installation.html

I followed his writeup for LBJ and OTRE'S with no problems.

Followed that writeup like none other. It was spot on! Took me a little longer and a bit more swearing but I got it done.

Change all the inner, outer and lower joints at once. Both sides too. Makes a big difference. Check out all the hoses before you go replacing super expensive parts. A lot of times, especially with seeping you can fix with a cracked hose. Time will do that to an engine.