Power steering rack

[98LTD]

Apparently I need to replace my power steering rack.(98 Limited) I thought the seals were bad causing the leak, but after 2 estimates they are saying I need to replace the whole rack. It's steers fine just leaks pretty good.
One estimate $750 (P&L) the other $850 (P&L)
2 questions for you guys:

1. How do they know without taking a look inside the rack itself?

2. Do I have any other options other than the sealant mixture you buy at the parts store?

Thanks for reading.
98LTD

Edit: Oh ya...The leak is dripping from the boots.

 

[toytech76]

If the leak is from inside the boots, the seals inside the rack are leaking and is usually not cost effective to replace just the seals as its much better to replace the whole rack. The inner bushings on the left side very commonly wear and cause tire movement. You just need to bite the bullet and get your rack replaced. The stop leak crap you buy at the parts store is a sham and wont fix your leak. Save your money for a new rack

 

[TN22Corps]

Bump

Hoping to revisit this post.. I just got an alignment done on my Runner, and the Tire folk said there's still some play in the steering and recommended replacing the rack.

Haven't driven it at highway speeds, just gathering some preliminary info.

Really looking at $750+??

 

[Nelsonmd]

Have you checked for one from a salvage yard? If you can install it yourself, that should be alot cheaper than P&L at a shop.

I am not sure what exactly you have for play, but read this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/70884-how-replace-steering-rack-guide-pictures.html

Maybe this is your problem.

EDIT: FYI, it looks like the part numbers in that thread have changed as some didn't show up for me. The total for the 4 parts I found was about $75. Let me know if you want to get these and I will help you with part numbers.

 

[TN22Corps]

Update

Well, I looked underneath the boot and didn't notice any up and down movement like in video regarding the rack guide. From what I understand, this play would only be evident on the driver's side.. I'll check out passenger side as well.

Called around local salvage yard and found a rack from a 2000 Taco, lifetime warranty, $175. Didn't ask whether or not that included Tie Rods, though the driver's side outer is less than 3,000 miles old.

One day I'll get to focus more on the mods than on maintenance and repair, lol.

 

[Singtoe]

I would jack the truck up, move your tire (by hand at the tire) left to right and see where the play is coming from. If it coming from the inner tierod, you can positively chk by squeezing the steering rack boot at the joint and you should be able to feel where the rack ends and the inner tie rod begins. Continue moving the tire and see if you can feel the play through the boot. If you can't then the rack is probably worn.