Steering Rack Bushings

[Okusputokus]

FOLLOWING. I've had a deep clunk gradually getting worse over the last year or so. I've replaced everything except LCA's and if i grab the tire between my knees and wiggle it I can put my hand on the steering rack where the inner tire rod goes into the rack. The inner tie rod(both sides) has no play but I can feel a clunk in the rack itself. It's not the steering u joint. Taking the rig in to a mechanic tomorrow morning so he can hopefully confirm if it's my rack or not. I hear the engine has to be lifted a bit to replace.:crybaby:

 

[Xtremluck]

Kind of timely that this has come up. I did track down all of the rattles it was a result of two things:

1. My aftermarket Icon Upper Control Arms had worn uniballs with just about 2mm of play. I have since replaced them with Delta Joints

2. The second source was my aftermarket front bumper making contact with my passenger side fender when the body/frame would flex in severe impact situations. (This took me the longest to track down)

The rig is 100% quiet now offroad but ironically the other day while driving my steering rack was making a ton of noise. When I came back to my truck the next day steering fluid was on the ground. So it looks like I will need to replace this thing either way. Im going to start another thread on that.

Hope you all track down your issues as well!

 

[Okusputokus]

Took mine in to my fav local mechanic and he confirmed it's my rack that is bad.

 

[4boer2]

[MENTION=134661]Xtremluck[/MENTION] can you link the new thread you started? I fear I am in the same predicament.

 

[Xtremluck]

[MENTION=134661]Xtremluck[/MENTION] can you link the new thread you started? I fear I am in the same predicament.

Yes, here is a link to the thread: DIY: Steering Rack Replacement

It has the DIY article I wrote on how to replace the rack

 

[4boer2]

Yes, here is a link to the thread: DIY: Steering Rack Replacement

It has the DIY article I wrote on how to replace the rack

Awesome thank you, I also ended up findig it on Steering Rack Replacement Step-By-Step DIY Guide For 5th Gen 4Runner .

 

[4boer2]

Quick update: I started my own thread but needlessly so. I had the dealer diagnose it and it was my lower intermediate shaft, same as the first post on this page and the link in post #18. I am thankful in was not in fact the steering rack.

Steering Rack or Inner Tie Rod?