The day is just getting better every minut. Now the mechanic tells me my steering is too loose for them to do a proper alignment (I wanted it done since I got new tires recently). The guy in shop claims my rack and pinion needs replacement. I know it might be a little loose from offroading but couldn't this just be due to bushings. It is a $1000 repair job so I wonder if there is any alternative (read cheaper) fixes. If the rack and pinion really is the problem, can I safely continue driving it as long as it does not bother me?

After ~ $2000 in possible repairs in one day (see other thread) I am starting to wonder whether 4runner reliability or AAA certified autoshops need for money is bringing me down

Sorry for the rant, any help is greatly appreciated

 

I got the same "can't do it" answer at one shop - took it to another and they did it- BUT it's probably not your rack is bad - it's more likely (hopefully) just the bushings are worn out - thus more play in the steering. Look under the truck and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth - you will be able to see if the rack is moving around couse of woren bushings. - if so it's a $13.00 fix (and some labor)...

here's a writeup....
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamo...ckbushings.htm


John

 

Thanks. yeah I hope is just the bushings. I did see a long thread on replacing the bushings. I will try to see if that solves it.
Cheers

PS: great writeup

 

You can continue driving even if it is a bad rack, I was told that mine is on the way out. Basically what the mechanic told me is that he noticed it was starting to leak, he said soon I would begin to notice a puddle under the rack which would continue to get worse until one day it would piss out all the fluid at once and that would be that, no more power steering, however you CAN still steer. If necessary, get a used rack.

 

I certainly hope it isn't a leak