Replace steering rack?

[silver4est]

I have an aftermarket steering rack on my 2002 runner, I have had a clunk on bumpy and wandering steering on bumpy roads, but truck tracks straight on highway when I let go of the wheel. Driving in side wind is scary, it wanders a lot. I found play at driver side inner tie rod, got a new tie rod. When I pulled the boot to remove the tie rod I immediately noticed play in the steering rack, there is also a little bit of steering fluid in the boot.
Rack has new style guide. Not sure how many miles but I believe less than 100k, maybe less than 50k, was noted when I bought the truck that it was replaced.
No idea what brand it is, has a remanufactered sticker on it.
Question is should I replace the rack with oem now or replace the guide?
Can I slightly tighten the guide that is on it now?
If I replace the guide, can I replace only the guide, not the cap, lock but or spring?
Didn’t know I had a leak until I pulled the boot back.
Steering feels loose, already checked the steering shaft, it’s fine.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I have an aftermarket steering rack on my 2002 runner, I have had a clunk on bumpy and wandering steering on bumpy roads, but truck tracks straight on highway when I let go of the wheel. Driving in side wind is scary, it wanders a lot. I found play at driver side inner tie rod, got a new tie rod. When I pulled the boot to remove the tie rod I immediately noticed play in the steering rack, there is also a little bit of steering fluid in the boot.
Rack has new style guide. Not sure how many miles but I believe less than 100k, maybe less than 50k, was noted when I bought the truck that it was replaced.
No idea what brand it is, has a remanufactered sticker on it.
Question is should I replace the rack with oem now or replace the guide?
Can I slightly tighten the guide that is on it now?
If I replace the guide, can I replace only the guide, not the cap, lock but or spring?
Didn’t know I had a leak until I pulled the boot back.
Steering feels loose, already checked the steering shaft, it’s fine.

I've had a steering rack fail, so hopefully my experience can help you.

1. Is there any play in the steering itself? How far can you rotate the steering wheel at say, highway speeds before the vehicle begins to turn? That's the real test if it's the rack. A failed rack will have about 3-4 inches of play before the vehicle actually turns. It's really kinda scary. If you have only a little play, it's most likely your inner and outer tie rods.

2. You can tighten the guide a little. You basically want it tight enough to eliminate any slop/play, but not so tight that the wheel does not return to center on its own. If it's doesn't return to center, you have it on too tight. Some dork cranked the heck out of the old rack guide I had on and it eventually broke the seals and leaked all over.

3. You can replace only the guide if you want, but replacing the spring might be a good idea too in case it's too weak to eliminate the slop.

4. I used a power steering fluid stop-leak for a while that actually worked. It took away the leak in the rack into the boot for almost a year. Then I spun out on a rainy day due to bad tires and hit the side of the tire on a curb and broke the rack once and for all so put a new rack in. I bought the bottle from O'Reilly's.

 

[jgue467]

How about the rack bushings? I replaced mine, sweet and tight now, responsiveness to steering input was improved significantly (the rack would move about 1.5 inches right/left because the bushings were toast).

Luck and enjoy the runner! :cowboy:

 

[silver4est]

does the OEM rack come with new bushings?

 

[jgue467]

I would think it does come with the smaller ones installed but not sure about the larger one. Here's a pic of the bushing kit: https://www.amazon.com/4Runner-Taco...r=8-5&keywords=2001+4runner+OEM+steering+rack

Luck! :cowboy:

 

[mtbtim]

I would think it does come with the smaller ones installed but not sure about the larger one. Here's a pic of the bushing kit: https://www.amazon.com/4Runner-Taco...r=8-5&keywords=2001+4runner+OEM+steering+rack

Luck! :cowboy:

You are correct, the rack just comes with the ones that are pressed into the rack. The large external bushing on the passenger side is not included.

OP, I'd start with the easiest and most affordable options. See if the steering guide is out of adjustment and check the condition of the steering rack bushings. But, since you did say the steering rack was replaced sometime in the past, it is sounding like they used a POS aftermarket one. Some aftermarket racks seem to work fine for people and others not so much. If I were going to replace a steering rack, I'd only go with OEM. Also the OEM racks come with new inner tie rods and those inner tie rods are pricey.

The steering rack on my 2000 is leaking but it's working fine so I'm not going to replace it yet. I separated one of the boots off the rack and ATF came pouring out. I just keep an eye on the level in my power steering reservoir.

These two video may help you out:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r4Hhl225E8A" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZoRP5ogrK0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[silver4est]

thanks Tim

yeah, rack in reman, not sure from where. Im gonna start with the free approach and check/adjust the guide. I have not examined the bushings but they look good visually. Had the truck on the hoist, everything is tight up front. only play that was noticed originally was thought to be river inside rod, but when we pulled the boot back and grabbed the inner tie rod it was apparent the rack had play.
Im assuming the inners are not OE either and assuming i will need to replace the rack at some point soon.
all bushings and ball joints are done.

 

[gamefreakgc]

thanks Tim

yeah, rack in reman, not sure from where. Im gonna start with the free approach and check/adjust the guide. I have not examined the bushings but they look good visually. Had the truck on the hoist, everything is tight up front. only play that was noticed originally was thought to be river inside rod, but when we pulled the boot back and grabbed the inner tie rod it was apparent the rack had play.
Im assuming the inners are not OE either and assuming i will need to replace the rack at some point soon.
all bushings and ball joints are done.

Dang, then it is the rack after all. I don't know why people go cheap reman or aftermarket when the OEM racks last 200k+ miles.

 

[_x_ramon_x_]

I installed an aftermarket a few years ago. There was a noticeable difference between the new and old but it never felt perfect. Always still felt a little off.

 

[kolelt]

Oem rack ran me about $540 shipped. Do the math. That’s with OEM inner tie rods

 

[Mudeprived]

I got the same issues with my Detroit Axle steering rack. It is loose over bumps but otherwise tracks fine. I did tighten the rack guide just a hair but it still does what it does.

 

[JohnMc]

Before firing the parts cannon, have a helper wiggle the steering while you look underneath to see what is wiggling that shouldn't be. With the motor running so you get the PS assist. Disclaimer: Obviously, be careful and don't get squished or pinched or crushed, etc.

There are lots of things that could be loose under there. Inner tie rods, outer tie rods, lower control arm bushing, lower ball joint (!!!!!), rack bushings, internal rack bushings, that adjuster, heck, probably even the steering column.

 

[silver4est]

ill double check before ordering anything