Steering rack leak.. my turn..$2300 bill

giguchan

giguchan

Senior Member
Well it's finally my turn. I failed NYS inspection.. I had a bad feeling about this time... The Dealer told me thats what it's going to cost to get it all sorted out. I thought it was going to be a PS pump.. Looking for alternatives. i'm told that the OEM Rack is really the best way to go on this.

I was told that there was excessive play in the steering and power steering leak. I think i made the mistake of mentioning it first because then they had something to zero in on.. Not that i could've hidden that problem.

I am just venting... I dont need this right now..
 
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Do it yourself. Toyota rack is the way to go, can be found for $600 online. There's not much to remove (sway bar and a few misc things) and can be done with hand tools and a hefty sized breaker bar for a couple of the large bolts. A standard floor jack with stands works fine.

You can replace other steering parts while you are at it but not necessary. Just go reeealllly slow and careful on the fluid lines and not mess up the threads. They strip really easily.
 
Thanks for the reply...
I might have to hunt around for someone with those tools and the space to work in. I'm in a townhouse complex... not supposed to work on any cars here... The lady next door will report you for opening up the hood. I was able to install my lights though... she must have been outta town.. $600 isn't too bad.. The PN i have 4425035041
Thanks
 
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Or if you can't do it yourself find a quality independent shop to do the work (avoid the dealership like the plague). Buy the OEM rack and pay them to install it. Should be under a grand if you shop around (although I don't know what shops in NY charge, that would be fair price here in WI).

Another option if you want save some money is check out The Rack DR. $320 shipped to your door with a lifetime warranty. I've heard good things about them but OEM is obviously the best choice.

Toyota 4Runner Rack and Pinions
 
I think i am going to go the OEM route. I got a price of $762... and i forgot to mention the Lines too.. This could not have come at a worse time.... but it's got to be done.
Thank you
 
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The oem rack also comes with inner tie rod ends ($150 each) and boots.

Use TWpartz at camelback for a 3% discount.

Also, you're sure your rack is leaking and not engine oil dripping on the rack?

For sloppy steering new bushings and the rack guide might tighten everything up, I think parts will be around $100 for those.
 
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I don’t follow this at all. “Excessive play”? Could just be tie rods. Did they give you any more specific details?

As far as the leaks go, is the actual power steering fluid low? All kinds of grease and oil can end up on the steering rack.
 
Following this discussion as my steering rack is showing a fluid leak also, and there are some good suggestions here to check other things leaking or being loose as well. Keep 'em coming!
 
Thanks for all of the helpful replies... and the Avatar? I wish i knew who she was..I'm sure she's married already. I've had that photo for ages....

The advisor quoted what the tech told him. I had to call back because I too that that description was a tad vague. in addition to the Rack leaking there was excessive play in the Tie rod -I just assumed that the 2 were related causing the main problem..

The good news is that i passed the NYS emissions.
Since i took her off the lot brand new in 97 this will be the biggest repair.. she's never left me stranded... And to make matters worse my backup shop(who did my brake upgrade) closed up or moved.. thats where i was going to go for a 2nd opinion.
 
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Nice rack... But it's time for a new one.

But the Toyota steering rack from Camelback Toyota ONLINE PARTS (those two words are super important) and get new outer tie rods because I don't think they come with the Toyota rack. You'll be looking at $700 plus the cost of the TREs so probably $900-ish. But the good news is Camelback does free shipping and they don't charge tax.

Replacing the rack and TREs is not that hard. It is probably 3 hrs work. You should be able to find an independent shop to do this for $300 in labor costs only.
.
 
Hey Brian,
Thanks for chiming in there.. I didn't ask if the Tie Rod ends came with the rack from the dealer... knowing me i'll bet they dont.

I'll have to hunt for another shop. There's an off road shop close by i'll inquire about them.
 
I was also at inspection fail this month due to rack. Here's my invoice from curious Mcgeorge. Ordered oem rack which includes inner tie rod ends, I also ordered the outer tie rod ends, which you should obviously do at same time.
I ended up needing both hoses also, which you can get from them.
The rack bushings I ordered Energy Suspension, They were like around $30.
Steering is much better, nice and tight.
 

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giguchan said:
Well it's finally my turn. I failed NYS inspection.. I had a bad feeling about this time... The Dealer told me thats what it's going to cost to get it all sorted out. I thought it was going to be a PS pump.. Looking for alternatives. i'm told that the OEM Rack is really the best way to go on this.

I was told that there was excessive play in the steering and power steering leak. I think i made the mistake of mentioning it first because then they had something to zero in on.. Not that i could've hidden that problem.

I am just venting... I dont need this right now..
Click to expand...

I actually just replaced mine and it wasn't too bad. I got my rack from camelback toyota I think it was $550 and I also put on new outer tie rods at the same time. The hardest part was the high pressure line. I couldnt get it loose so I ended up cutting it and getting a new aftermarket line for $75. Timmy the toolman on youtube has a great video that will show you how to do it. Good luck!
 
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