New OEM Steering Rack- How Much Movement is Normal?

[SocalRunner15]

Hey Guys,

I just installed a new OEM steering rack on my 2000 limited and when you shake the steering wheel, you can see the steering rack move quite a bit. How much play is too much when it comes to these trucks? I'd say i'm getting 1/2 inch to an inch movement up and down.

Should i toss the OEM bushings and throw on polys? Everything is torqued to spec...


Thanks!

Btw if anyone wants to see a video of what it looks like, this video is virtually identical to what i'm seeing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2HlE-UqPS4

 

[JWaldz]

[MENTION=759629]SocalRunner15[/MENTION]

Stationary, it is acceptable for it to move VERY little (especially with larger tires).

However, that is an unacceptable amount of movement regardless and I highly recommend new bushings!

Most people switch over to poly.

 

[phattyduck]

A new rack comes with new bushings (at least the two through-hole bushings) - so that is the normal amount of play when turning the vehicle while stationary.

Up to you if you want less...

-Charlie

 

[T4R2014]

That's normal, you don't want it too rigid. That's how you get metal fatigue.

 

[SocalRunner15]

That's normal, you don't want it too rigid. That's how you get metal fatigue.

Yeah it just seems like a ton of movement. The rack is basically sliding around in the oblong shaped bushing...almost an inch of movement every time i move the steering wheel...

I suppose the poly bushings would move much less, but they would end up having a stiffer feel?

 

[alumarine]

Rack shouldn't be moving like that.
Did you re-use the old bushings?

 

[phattyduck]

Yeah it just seems like a ton of movement. The rack is basically sliding around in the oblong shaped bushing...almost an inch of movement every time i move the steering wheel...

I suppose the poly bushings would move much less, but they would end up having a stiffer feel?

Have you put a tape measure on that? The video looks like maybe a bit more than 1/4" of movement.

Moving the wheels while the vehicle is stopped puts a huge strain on components (the only thing harder on them is offroading...). Try the same thing with the engine off to get an idea of what kind of forces you are applying to the steering system.

Those are soft bushings for a compliant ride. If you want comfort, keep them - the originals lasted 20 years, this next set will too.

I have changed over to poly for my rack bushings (and body mounts, and, and and). I like the change, but it does transmit more road vibrations up to the steering wheel.

-Charlie

 

[SocalRunner15]

Rack shouldn't be moving like that.
Did you re-use the old bushings?

No way...these are brand new oem bushings. Two of them came with the rack, and the third d-shaped one was purchased from the dealership...

 

[SocalRunner15]

Have you put a tape measure on that? The video looks like maybe a bit more than 1/4" of movement.

Moving the wheels while the vehicle is stopped puts a huge strain on components (the only thing harder on them is offroading...). Try the same thing with the engine off to get an idea of what kind of forces you are applying to the steering system.

Those are soft bushings for a compliant ride. If you want comfort, keep them - the originals lasted 20 years, this next set will too.

I have changed over to poly for my rack bushings (and body mounts, and, and and). I like the change, but it does transmit more road vibrations up to the steering wheel.

-Charlie

I'm just wondering if these bushings are possibly defective?

 

[NachesPass4x4]

How does is drive?

 

[alumarine]

I just took another look at the video.
Something is not right.

On the passenger side it's not the bushing that's moving it's the rack sliding inside the bushing.
It's like the bushing is not anywhere tight enough against the rack.

I can't tell what's going happening on the drivers side but it isn't right either.

I'd remove it and measure the rack diameters and compare the old to new bushings as well.

I used Energy Suspension bushings and there's virtually no movement.

 

[SocalRunner15]

I just took another look at the video.
Something is not right.

On the passenger side it's not the bushing that's moving it's the rack sliding inside the bushing.
It's like the bushing is not anywhere tight enough against the rack.

I can't tell what's going happening on the drivers side but it isn't right either.

I'd remove it and measure the rack diameters and compare the old to new bushings as well.

I used Energy Suspension bushings and there's virtually no movement.

It seems like a common issue...the video i linked isn't mine...although mine is exactly the same...

I might just switch them out with poly bushings....

Only issue the truck drives fine....theres nothing wrong with it lol

 

[SocalRunner15]

How does is drive?

Drives great...No issues at all

 

[TucsonMike]

I had same issue on son's 4runner. Brand new OEM rack moves just like shown on video. We replaced with poly and movement stopped. He has 285 tires though.

Thanks

MikeM

 

[JWaldz]

It's like the bushing is not anywhere tight enough against the rack.

This is common with worn out stock bushings.

They are softer and over time wear down and lose any rigidity and form they have. Even torqued to spec, the rack just slides.
[MENTION=71030]T4R2014[/MENTION] is correct, though. You don't want it COMPLETELY rigid. You want there to be a little bit of give, but I still think that if the video is a representation of the OP's rack, it's moving a little to much for my liking.

 

[phattyduck]

Drives great...No issues at all

Sounds like you already have your answer.

If you want tighter steering, you have your next step. If you want stock-like steering, you are already done.

Don't go looking for problems where there is none. If you want to be surprised in another way, put a video camera on your body mount bushings and go flex or drive fast off road.

Here's a Raptor... check out that body mount:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=uVH5bmD3Dntv7HBg&v=Abn4y5KIuzk&feature=youtu.be

-Charlie

 

[NachesPass4x4]

Drives great...No issues at all

Based on this, my internet diagnosis is that everything is probably fine. If the bushings where allowing to much movement I believe the steering wouldn't feel right while driving.

As mentioned, turning the wheels when the vehicle isnt moving puts a ton of stress on everything. On a solid axle toyota with crossover steering the front driver side of the truck will raise up from the steering force when not moving. Things behave much better with the wheels rolling.

I am changing my rack right now (oem bushings). Other than that no experience with steering racks but I think you're probably good.

 

[WayneM]

I have wondered if steering rack movement contributes to "warped rotor" symptoms. After experiencing "warped rotors" even after a TBU, I replaced the rack bushings with polyurethane ones in my latest fix-up. Everything is smooth when new, so it will take some wear time before any chance to guess if it helps.

 

[SocalRunner15]

As much as i don't want to, i'm going to swap out the oem bushings with Poly ones..

This level of movement just makes me uncomfortable.. It's almost like there is no bushing in there at all...

Btw i did recheck everything and all the bolts were at torque spec... It's just how these bushings are out the box...

 

[frank_socal]

Same issue here... OEM rack movement. Is there a metal sleeve missing? It drives ok, but the rack shows signs of movement like in the video.