Steering rack bushings

[jonb2]

2007 4runner 2wd with about 80k miles.

Well took it to mechanic today to check out a clicking noise in the front end. Would only be audible while turning wheel at a stop or in park. Could have sworn it was tie rod noise. He had me move steering wheel back and forth while he was under vehicle.

Bottom line noise seems to be caused by worn steering rack bushings. I can't find this replacement part anywhere and apparently Toyota does not sell it as a separate part either. Only other option is to buy entire steering rack which is very expensive.

Any thoughts on how to fix this problem or where to get the bushings (if this is even possible) ??

thanks

 

[fdbyrne]

I've asked the same question before and was told that it makes more sense to replace the rack with a rebuilt unit than just replace the bushings since it takes the same amount of time to replace the rack as the bushings.

 

[jonb2]

Wow that sucks. I feel like my steering is pretty good right now. It just seems to click when I first turn the steering wheel to the right--not a lot but more annoying than anything else. Mechanic said the whole rack assembly is shifting just a little bit when I turn steering to the right caused by worn bushings.

I guess I need to determine:

1. Will this get worse with time?

2. If I do change out, should I purchase remanufactured or new OEM which is really expensive ?

3. Approx cost for mechanic to install ?

I do most of the maintenance and basic repairs but I think this may be over my head.

thanks for any input.

 

[fdbyrne]

First, I'd get a second opinion to make sure it's the problem. Nothing like needlessly replacing parts.

If you do need a new rack, don't go OEM. There is a company in Colorado that rebuilds OEM racks and people say they do a great job. I can't remember the name of the company, but a quick forum search should bring up multiple threads about them.

 

[truckhigh]

watch his video and he has one for a rack install. make sure its the rack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqPF_SNueyg

 

[truckhigh]

Im gonna be doing this really soon. Ive also got a pop while I'm in reverse. i get a lot off play when i turn the steering wheel side of the rack. Could you check yours to see if it has any play?

 

[Cisco Kid]

These are the only steering rack bushings you will probably find. I had the same issue with my truck last year and bought a set of these to replace the worn factory rubber bushings.

Whiteline Suspension Parts - Part Number W13373 - Steering Rack and Pinion Bushings

 

[fdbyrne]

Did you have to pull the rack all the way out to replace the bushings?

 

[Cisco Kid]

Did you have to pull the rack all the way out to replace the bushings?

Oh yeah. It's not a fun job trying to get the old bushings out of the rack. Having it under the truck would only make it that much more of a pain in the butt.

 

[4gin007]

I replaced my bushings with the same ones as cisco. I made contact with him also and he gave me some advice about the job, the main thing he said that really meant something at the end of the day was "its not an easy job and it really sucks to do." If I had to do it all over again Id replace the rack. I removed my rack completely and had to burn the bushings out with a torch. Then the bushing wouldn't go in correctly with the metal tube sleeve that goes through them so I had to use a die grinder and make the holes on the rack bigger so the bushings and the metal tube sleeve would fit correctly. Its not worth it to replace the bushings. Just replace the entire rack and then you have piece of mind knowing you won't have to go through all that work again if your old rack fails after new bushings are installed.

 

[fdbyrne]

That's how I understood it from when I did my research too. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[jonb2]

For all that work sounds like it might be best just to replace the entire rack. I searched the forums and found a company in Colorado--CVJ Axles--and I am inquiring on prices from them. Heard they are similar in quality to OEM for remanufactured CV axles/racks but I currently have no experience with them.

 

[Cisco Kid]

For all that work sounds like it might be best just to replace the entire rack. I searched the forums and found a company in Colorado--CVJ Axles--and I am inquiring on prices from them. Heard they are similar in quality to OEM for remanufactured CV axles/racks but I currently have no experience with them.

I have heard good things about CVJ as well. Not only for the steering rack but also with front CV axle shafts.

 

[luke87gt]

Replace the whole rack and pinion because the $20 bushings are worn??

I've been on automotive forums for 20yrs, and this might take the cake as the worst advice I've heard.

My 2001 GS 430 had worn rack bushings a couple years ago. Dealer said replace the whole rack for $1800 was the only option.

I picked up a pair of replacement bushings from FIGS Engineering and was back in business after a couple hrs.

The fact that Toyota and Lexus don't replace rack bushings is a travesty.

 

[truckhigh]

Replace the whole rack and pinion because the $20 bushings are worn??

I've been on automotive forums for 20yrs, and this might take the cake as the worst advice I've heard.

My 2001 GS 430 had worn rack bushings a couple years ago. Dealer said replace the whole rack for $1800 was the only option.

I picked up a pair of replacement bushings from FIGS Engineering and was back in business after a couple hrs.

The fact that Toyota and Lexus don't replace rack bushings is a travesty.

when i rebuilt my honda rack and pinions, there is also a bushing inside for the rack and pinion. A rebuilt is close to $200 and when you price out 2 inner tie rods, 2 bellows , exterior rack bushings and its the same labor. You come pretty close and don't have any new seals or bushing inside the rack.
I have been changing my ps steering regularly and it seems to get black. I even installed a transmission cooler to the lines also. Its not much more money and probably less time. So, it depends on what you want to spend and you have zero play in the rack minus the bushings

 

[luke87gt]

Then the bushing wouldn't go in correctly with the metal tube sleeve that goes through them so I had to use a die grinder and make the holes on the rack bigger so the bushings and the metal tube sleeve would fit correctly.

Wow, how discouraging. I think between what I heard on clublexus and this, I'm saying no to Whiteline. Thanks guys...

Still holding out hope that FIGS Engineering has them (they have a lot of Toyota/Lexus poly parts).

 

[HOJeepster]

First, I'd get a second opinion to make sure it's the problem. Nothing like needlessly replacing parts.

If you do need a new rack, don't go OEM. There is a company in Colorado that rebuilds OEM racks and people say they do a great job. I can't remember the name of the company, but a quick forum search should bring up multiple threads about them.

CVJ is the Denver based company. I purchased CV axles from them, good company to deal with.

 

[4gin007]

Wow, how discouraging. I think between what I heard on clublexus and this, I'm saying no to Whiteline. Thanks guys...

Still holding out hope that FIGS Engineering has them (they have a lot of Toyota/Lexus poly parts).

If I had to do it all over again Id replace the entire rack. But if thats not an expense you want to fork out then I would def suggest staying away from whiteline rack bushings.

 

[Cisco Kid]

Then the bushing wouldn't go in correctly with the metal tube sleeve that goes through them so I had to use a die grinder and make the holes on the rack bigger so the bushings and the metal tube sleeve would fit correctly.

Instead of using a die grinder in the rack, I sanded the outer diameter of the bushing to make it work. If Energy Suspension, Prothane, etc. made a bushing set, I would have bought that instead of the White Line parts. For what it's worth, I even called CVJ to see if they would sell me a set of bushings and they said no.

 

[Wishbone]

Instead of using a die grinder in the rack, I sanded the outer diameter of the bushing to make it work. If Energy Suspension, Prothane, etc. made a bushing set, I would have bought that instead of the White Line parts. For what it's worth, I even called CVJ to see if they would sell me a set of bushings and they said no.

So you had issues with the ES bushings going in? I have a Rack Doctor reman rack sitting in front of me, as well as the Whiteline bushings and have the following issues:

1 - Instructions specify 2 different sized bushings: 2 x 67115 and 2 x 67116, with the 67115 being the smaller diameter of the two. I received 3 x 67115, 1x 67116. Called Whiteline and they are sending me another 67116.

2- Just went out and checked the rack, both mounts are the same size, and will require 4 x 67116. Have another email into Whiteline.

So, what bushings did you receive, were they all the same size, and why didn't they fit? The 67116 will be perfect, I just need two more of them . . .