Steering Rack Guides

P

Poorboy64

New member
I just got done replacing lower BJ , inner & outer tie rods, steering rack bushings, anti sway bushings & struts, had the alignment done today,
Tightened things up quite a bit but at highway speeds the steering isn't as tight as I would like, wonders a little. Has any one tried to just re-torque/adjust the rack guides instead of replacing it all?
I remember back in the day you could just adj. the steering box. I'm pretty sure its the same principle.

Thanks,
 
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You can tighten the rack guide. Start with 1/16 of a rotation. Test drive repeat.

You should also check your steering wheel shaft rag joint. Some trucks have play in that which will manifest the same symptoms. Sit in the truck. Reach down and grab the shaft below the joint. Turn the wheel. If it has any play either weld it or put a roll pin in it.

Both of these have been done to my rig and it drives and handles great for what it is.

There's good write-ups on both those things here on the forums.
 
When I hold the steering column and turn the wheel I get about 1/4" + of play.
Doing a Search, do I have to take the steering column off to tack weld it as in some post I have read? The ones I have found indicate I do but look to be an older Gen 4runner.

Thanks,
 
Poorboy64 said:
When I hold the steering column and turn the wheel I get about 1/4" + of play.
Doing a Search, do I have to take the steering column off to tack weld it as in some post I have read? The ones I have found indicate I do but look to be an older Gen 4runner.

Thanks,
Click to expand...


You do need to remove column. This is the write-up I used to diagnose it. It's for a 1st gen Tacoma but it's the exact same dash and wheel as our 3rd Gens. I choose to drill mine and put in a roll pin. Not for any safety concerns about the column not collapsing like it's supposed to in a crash. Simply because I had a few roll pins in my garage and didin't have a welder. lol

Diagnose and Fix Steering Play/Rattle - TTORA Forum
 
What's your thoughts on JB Welding that joint? I would assume JB Weld would crack/snap off during an accident and allow the tube to work as it should but should be able to stop any further movement.

I don't have any issue with my column, as the rack guide was my main issue, but I cannot weld and thought about using JB if I ever needed to later on.
 
Mudeprived said:
What's your thoughts on JB Welding that joint? I would assume JB Weld would crack/snap off during an accident and allow the tube to work as it should but should be able to stop any further movement.

I don't have any issue with my column, as the rack guide was my main issue, but I cannot weld and thought about using JB if I ever needed to later on.
Click to expand...


If properly cleaned up before you apply the JB I think it would work just fine. I've used JB for way more stuff than I'll admit to online and 95% of those fixes are still working. Whether it would release in the event of a collision is unknown. It's pretty strong stuff so there's a chance it would hold. Honestly though, I'm pretty sure the roll pin I have will hold as well. Like I said, I didn't do it for safety reasons. I did it cause I had it. lol
 
Has any one done a video of removing the steering shaft that ya know about?

Ya know if Ole Albert were alive today would he be confused? or would he be satisfied & tickled too with all the answers on the Inner Web :)

Thanks,
 
theesotericone said:
If properly cleaned up before you apply the JB I think it would work just fine. I've used JB for way more stuff than I'll admit to online and 95% of those fixes are still working. Whether it would release in the event of a collision is unknown. It's pretty strong stuff so there's a chance it would hold. Honestly though, I'm pretty sure the roll pin I have will hold as well. Like I said, I didn't do it for safety reasons. I did it cause I had it. lol
Click to expand...

I used JB weld to reattach the brake cable bracket on the rear of the diff. It has been holding up since last summer.
 
Poorboy64 said:
I just got done replacing lower BJ , inner & outer tie rods, steering rack bushings, anti sway bushings & struts, had the alignment done today,
Tightened things up quite a bit but at highway speeds the steering isn't as tight as I would like, wonders a little. Has any one tried to just re-torque/adjust the rack guides instead of replacing it all?
I remember back in the day you could just adj. the steering box. I'm pretty sure its the same principle.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Yes, i just re-torqued mine and it made a HUGE difference. I would almost recommend this as a 100k maintenance item.
 
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