Steering rack play

[mountainbiker42]

Hey guys,

I seem to have play in my steering rack and can't find any info on the subject other than play related to steering components and bushings. I'm 100% sure the front end is tight (tie rods, ball joints, etc.). I just replaced my steering rack bushings today thinking this was causing the play and clunk in the steering. It did not fix the issue, although the bushings were shot anyways so I didn't waste my time. With the vehicle off, if someone slightly moves the wheel you can see the column moving going into the rack, but with no tire movement. This is telling me the play/clunk is in the rack itself. I checked the slip join on the column and it's okay. Steering racks are expensive and I'm wondering if anyone else has come across an issue like this.

Thanks for you help.

 

[ugamurph]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/164396-diagnose-repair-steering-play-rattle.html

 

[mountainbiker42]

Well I figured it out. The slip joint in the steering column was loose. It wasn't loose enough to diagnose by hand (holding the column and turning the wheel). I took it all apart hoping thats what it was and when I put the column in the bench vise and turned it, sure enough there was play. Made two tiny tack welds and problem solved.

 

[ugamurph]

Well I figured it out. The slip joint in the steering column was loose. It wasn't loose enough to diagnose by hand (holding the column and turning the wheel). I took it all apart hoping thats what it was and when I put the column in the bench vise and turned it, sure enough there was play. Made two tiny tack welds and problem solved.

Glad that helped.