Quick Steering Rack Question...

[Brian757]

Alright, so I have some thunking sounds when I hit bumps only, and am suspicious that it is my steering rack guide as I've changed all other steering components except the rack itself.

However my question is, I own a 2002 and the new style rack guide was introduced in 2001; do I benefit from changing out my guide, spring, nut & cap? What technically goes bad in these components? Does the guide wear down or something?

Basically I want to know if I'm wasting my $75 to change the guide out or if others with '01+ have done it and seen an improvement.

Thanks for reading!



And a picture... Because you guys love pictures..

 

[JayRolla]

Alright, so I have some thunking sounds when I hit bumps only, and am suspicious that it is my steering rack guide as I've changed all other steering components except the rack itself.

However my question is, I own a 2002 and the new style rack guide was introduced in 2001; do I benefit from changing out my guide, spring, nut & cap? What technically goes bad in these components? Does the guide wear down or something?

Basically I want to know if I'm wasting my $75 to change the guide out or if others with '01+ have done it and seen an improvement.

Thanks for reading!

I have a 96 that has the upgraded rack. When I was researched after swapping new rack in I found they where saying no reason to check it, it dont wear out like the old one but not sure if thats true. I know for one thing I tried to remove my newer style nut and it woudl nto budge. Not to mention it takes a crazy square style tool that I did not have at all.

 

[Brian757]

I have a 96 that has the upgraded rack. When I was researched after swapping new rack in I found they where saying no reason to check it, it dont wear out like the old one but not sure if thats true. I know for one thing I tried to remove my newer style nut and it woudl nto budge. Not to mention it takes a crazy square style tool that I did not have at all.

That's what I'm worried about. I have already tried tightening it and it did help a little, but I feel like it loosened up on me. I have the 5/8" threaded rod connector already. I'm about to go on a 600 mile trip and want this truck in tip-top shape.

 

[Mynameistommy510]

A bad or worn steering guide will cause sloppy steering. If you don't mind, could you list parts that were replaced? A broken sway bar end link or sway bar bushings can cause a similar clunk. You could also have loose control arm bolts.
Edit: saw in your signature you have an aftermarket suspension sorry. Was it installed correctly? I had to turn my OME coil spring in the front because the upper ball joint mount would hit the coil at full droop. Fixed my clunk

 

[ugamurph]

[MENTION=68576]Brian757[/MENTION], I'm going to bet that the thunking sound you hear is coming from the steering shaft. I had the same issue and resolved it by following a how to on TTORA. Check out my informational thread below. It'll point you in the right direction for diagnosing the problem.

Steering play/rattle

 

[Troybylt]

New style steering rack eh? How can I tell if my truck has the new style rack? Is it worth the upgrade?

I have a '00 SR5 4x4 Stick if that helps.

What are the benefits of the new style rack? What was the problem with the old style?

 

[Mynameistommy510]

New style steering rack eh? How can I tell if my truck has the new style rack? Is it worth the upgrade?

I have a '00 SR5 4x4 Stick if that helps.

What are the benefits of the new style rack? What was the problem with the old style?

The old style guide has an outward hex you can put a socket on. The new style guide has the inward hex. Lookup pictures of steering rack guide on our 4runners to see the location. The old style guide wears overtime causing sloppy steering. Rumor has it that the new updated guide (inward hex) will never go bad.

After replacing my old style guide, I noticed the old had a roller type guide on it, while the new one has a stationary pivot or sliding point for the rack to run across.

 

[JayRolla]

New style steering rack eh? How can I tell if my truck has the new style rack? Is it worth the upgrade?

I have a '00 SR5 4x4 Stick if that helps.

What are the benefits of the new style rack? What was the problem with the old style?

If I remember right anything that was 2000+ already had the newer style rack.

 

[Troybylt]

If I remember right anything that was 2000+ already had the newer style rack.

Looks like I have the old rack, what's a new one gonna run me?

Sometimes I feel like the truck doesn't want to turn my three ply LT265/75R16's and i have to muscle the wheel a little more than usual. Is that due to just being a big heavy tire?

Beyond that I have a slight vibration at highway speeds that could be due to rack slop? Truck has 205k on the odo.

I originally figured it was due to tire imbalance, now I have another consideration. Vibration is slight but most noticeable at 68mph (2000 RPM in 5th on cruise) Though the shop (Tire Kingdom) assures me the wheels are dead nuts on balance. (I have taken the truck back three times to have the tires balanced, first two times they admitted they were off balance, I'm still not sure they are balanced right as now one wheel has like 6 weights on it. I seriously wanted to take them back again to have them rotate the rubber on the rim and re-weight but I'm so sick of going back and it doesn't vibrate my arms off when driving now.