Steering Rack Issue

[UTEP]

Hi,

I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2000 4R. I have figured all the issues but this one:

The driver side steering rack boot is torn and leaking fluid. Not dripping just damp and red. No play in the shaft it seems all tight and may have happened recently. Owner says it has only been a once a week driver for the past year.

No howls and steers straight and smooth.

Toyota has replacement rack for $780...ouch! Is there a rebuild option? Seem like it should just be a seal. Toyota says no, only unit as a whole.

Other 3rd party options...NAPA etc...?

This may be a deal breaker for me. Owner is stalled at $5000 and this is KBB for excellent and this 4R has a fuel line issue and cracked windshield as well as this rack problem. Runs nice though and I like it. I don't want to assume more than $2000 in work and that includes baselining on my own nickel; about ~$500 I figure.... If I can just get a seal kit I'm in like flint, if not....

I figure $4000 the best offer I should make now...

Thanks,

Warren

 

[BlazeRunner]

I picked up a rebuilt rack for my 95 LS400 for like 385 after core refund from discountsteering.com. The box it comes in doubles as the core refund box with freight, they give you a prepaid sticker, just slap it on, tape it up and get your $200 core back on your debit/credit card. I've had it for almost 2 years now and still clean as a whistle, steers better than my 98 LS400 I just sold. It's looks to be OEM, just rebuilt seals n such. Also, those racks have solenoids for the speed sensitive steering, so it might be cheaper for the 4runner, but I would definetely talk him down. If you're both using KBB, then maybe get a list of the conditions and what it means for a vehicle to be 'excellent.'

 

[the great him]

rebuild racks are crap i have not heard of any lasting very long... imo if its not leaking fluid then dont worry about it, a dampness isnt something id worry to much about, id just buy a new boot and clamps for that side and put those on if i was you. other than that id look at a Safari LTD rack Safari LTD - Your Local Toyota Parts & Service Center their rack is cheaper than the dealers and a better rack -its the same rack but instead of the factory OEM nylon bushings, they use bras bushings which are stronger and last longer. i just did this and was pleased, ill know more when i get the truck back with a new alignment and i can actually drive it more than down the street. but yeah they are gonna set you back $490 for the rack itself and around $40-50 for shipping, my rack was $530 something to my door

 

[BamaDrewski]

I purchased a brand new rack for my 2000 T4R back in April of this year. Paid about $350 for it (lifetime warranty) from Steering Rack and Steering Box at Wholesale Prices from Car Steering. I had a local shop install it for $250 as I did not want to mess with it. Plus, a local shop guarantees the quality of their work. I can say this, I have not had one issue out of this steering rack! It came with the boots and inner tie rods already installed.

 

[cdrewferd]

rebuild racks are crap i have not heard of any lasting very long... imo if its not leaking fluid then dont worry about it, a dampness isnt something id worry to much about, id just buy a new boot and clamps for that side and put those on if i was you. other than that id look at a Safari LTD rack Safari LTD - Your Local Toyota Parts & Service Center their rack is cheaper than the dealers and a better rack -its the same rack but instead of the factory OEM nylon bushings, they use bras bushings which are stronger and last longer. i just did this and was pleased, ill know more when i get the truck back with a new alignment and i can actually drive it more than down the street. but yeah they are gonna set you back $490 for the rack itself and around $40-50 for shipping, my rack was $530 something to my door

I did this as well and have been impressed by the rack. The steering is tight, and it worked great off road.

 

[asahi4runner]

Just got done replacing one for a customer. He told me he got his for less than $300.00.

 

[blcktpgsr]

Just got done replacing one for a customer. He told me he got his for less than $300.00.

So what rack exactly did he get for less than $300 and where did he get it from?

 

[nobb]

IMO, it is a waste to buy a complete new rack just because of a small dampness or boot leak. You can usually buy aftermarket boots, and it will probably be much easier to replace just the boot than the entire rack.

Just take off the tire rod end, remove clamps, remove boot, re-grease, and install new boot. It should be even easier than re-booting a CV.

 

[UTEP]

Thanks!

Lots of good tips here.

W

 

[asahi4runner]

He got it from rockauto.com and they also sell seal kits also.