steering rack problem?
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chicago
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
steering rack problem?
Hey guys, for maybe the past 6 months to a year I've had like 1/2 - 1 inch of freeplay in my steering wheel. I got under the car and turned the shaft with my hand and the wheel turned with it. I turned it right by where the shaft bolts on to the steering rack. So I take it this means the rack is worn. Is there any chance that this is fixable or do you think I need to replace it? Thanks a lot!
Andrew
Andrew
#2
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It could be the steering rack bushings. If they are worn, there will be some play in the rack, causing it to shift from side to side when you turn the wheel. This will cause your steering wheel to be turned a bit, but the wheels are still tracking straight.
You can find the bushings on ebay or wheeler's offroad for a lot cheaper.
You can find the bushings on ebay or wheeler's offroad for a lot cheaper.
#4
+1..get under the truck on the ground and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth..while you watch the rack to frame mounts movement,also put your hand on the housing and try and feel for any internal knocking,might have inner tie rod going as well........If the rack is not leaking fluid,or gets hard/soft at times when going around a corner while driving=rack does not need replacement.
Its also rare,but also inspect the U-joint that connects the rack to the steering coloum,there is a rubber spacer in there that can deteriorate with age causing freeplay,but generally this will happen on 20+year toyota's with 300k+ miles.
Its also rare,but also inspect the U-joint that connects the rack to the steering coloum,there is a rubber spacer in there that can deteriorate with age causing freeplay,but generally this will happen on 20+year toyota's with 300k+ miles.
Last edited by 97ltd4x4; 04-16-2009 at 05:42 AM.
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chicago
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just replaced the bushings last year and I can turn the shaft by hand easily. In other words the freeplay I feel in the wheel is exactly the same in the shaft. The whole rack isn't moving, just the shaft.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Yotadawgjr
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
10
08-23-2015 10:51 AM