Steering problems. Need some advice

[Dark Runner]

I just recently rolled over 140000 miles and my steering is starting to feel a little sloppy and shaky. I know it's not wheel balance problem cause its not a vibration. Anyways, theres and entire rack and pinion from a 4runner on c-list for $20 and I want to go get it but since I dont know anything about steering, Im not sure if just replacing the rack and pinion will fix my problem. So do I, or should I replace the rack and pinion or is it just some bad bushings somewhere?

 

[AKAndy]

I had the same problem in mine at 130k, and had to replace the rack and pinion. I took it in for an allignment at Big O, and they had it on the lift and showed me that both wheels could be moved manually to the left and right a good half inch to an inch. Big O wanted $1200 to do the work, but I had my mechanic do it for $600 total. The part was around $300. Took it back to Big O after the repair to get an alignment done, and it was fine after that.

Andy

 

[raydouble]

If there is an entire rack for 20 bucks, buy it, put it on the shelf.

Have you ever had the steering rack bushings replaced?

How about the inner TRE's?

Got to get the front end off the ground (or have someone inspect it)
for where the play is at.

Wheel bearing
Rack
Rack bushings
Inner and outer tierod ends

 

[rdgt4r]

I would definitely check the rack bushings first and foremost, then tie rod ends.


Toyota Maintenance: Steering Rack - Bushing Replacement

 

[TN22Corps]

Looking for some more information on this..

My steering shakes at 60+mph, an oscillating shake and vibration. Originally, I had a friend show me how to do the driver's side inner tie rod (he shook the tire, showing the play it had in it). This didn't really make much of a change.

After that I got an alignment done and the shop said they couldn't align them all the way because of the steering rack, suggested replacing the rack. They didn't say why and I didn't ask, my bad.

Still shook after that. I look underneath and don't notice the rack leaking anywhere. But, thanks to this site, I was able to diagnose the horribly worn rack bushings and replaced them. That helped about 60%.

What else can I be looking at before taking it to a shop?

 

[topdown4runner]

I just replaced the rack bushings on my '99 over the weekend.
Wow, what a difference! Nice & tight.

Try this first!

Of course, follow Raydouble's advice and get the front end off the ground. Have a friend move each tire back and forth while you look underneath for tie rod ends, etc... for movement.

 

[Nelsonmd]

You know, I did my bushings as well not too long ago, and if felt alot better, but I still have some wicked shimmying in my steering. I need to figure out of it is the guide, ball joints, tie rods, bearings, or the rack.

Boo to that stock shimmy...

 

[1badrunner]

Has anybody tried a rebuilt rack from ECGS (East Coast Gear Supply)? They're 400 bucks and I'd be willing to pay that to fix my problems once and for all.

I know some rebuilt racks aren't trustworthy, but, if it's coming from this company, I have more trust in it.

 

[rl132000]

I am new to this forum.

I love my 4-Runner. I have a 97 limited. it has 167,000 miles on it. never took it off rode driving. had baby it all these years. but recently I did get a bad news from a MIDAS shop.

I noticed in the cold winter that we had in Chicago, my steering wheel was stiff. it was hard to turn it to Right or Left. i checked Streeing fluid, it was very low. i put some LUCAS Streeing power fluid in it. it worked for a while. But when I went to have an oil change, they told me, streeing fluid is leaking and that I have to replace Rack and Pinion.

It is very expensive to have it replaced. They gave me a quate of $1000. What do you think? Please help me.

 

[YotaZach85]

$1000 sounds a bit high to me, ask them how much just for labor and take them the parts, might only save you a few bucks but it might be worth it. Trailgear sells a rebuilt unit for about $400 and its nice piece. For future reference...you may very well have messed your rack up by using that Lucas, Toyotas use ATF (automatic transmission fluid) power steering fluid is too thin.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I am new to this forum.

I love my 4-Runner. I have a 97 limited. it has 167,000 miles on it. never took it off rode driving. had baby it all these years. but recently I did get a bad news from a MIDAS shop.

I noticed in the cold winter that we had in Chicago, my steering wheel was stiff. it was hard to turn it to Right or Left. i checked Streeing fluid, it was very low. i put some LUCAS Streeing power fluid in it. it worked for a while. But when I went to have an oil change, they told me, streeing fluid is leaking and that I have to replace Rack and Pinion.

It is very expensive to have it replaced. They gave me a quate of $1000. What do you think? Please help me.

I agree, $1k sounds high. If you are brave enough, I would say pick one of from a salvage yard and swap it out yourself. Don't trust Midas.

And yeah, only fill with ATF.

 

[dirka dave]

I agree, $1k sounds high. If you are brave enough, I would say pick one of from a salvage yard and swap it out yourself. Don't trust Midas.

And yeah, only fill with ATF.

I would use synthetic ATF fluid, it keeps the heat down a lot, if you run in hot weather.

I use Transynd.