I need a new steering rack because mine has some play in it and is leaking.

Has anyone had luck with used steering racks?

I am looking at remanufactured options for a little over $300 in town or around $275 ebay. The used one I found at a local salvage yard is going for $100 and has 127k on it. They said they put a 90 day warranty on a steering rack but I am a little weary that I will get this used one and it will have some slop in it just like my old one does.

Are steering racks easy to rebuild? I notice they sell rebuild kits at the parts stores but have never done any rebuilding of hydraulic parts before (just engines).

Can I get some thoughts/suggestions?


Thanks,
Josh

 

I would probably go with the used one.....what kind of slop are you referring to? Bushings? inner tierod ends? There is a rack guide adjustment that can be made if you have front to back slop on the drivers side. The guide has a spring to hold tension and can be preloaded again.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/h...ctures-215931/

 

The steering rack on the 4runners and Tacos isn't something that is easy to rebuild without a shop full of special tools.

The rebuilt ones on Ebay are TOTAL JUNK. I've known several guys that tried them and they are all crap.

If you know a shop that has a really good reputation then I would have them rebuild YOUR steering rack so you know what it saw during life. If they try to talk you into swapping it for one they already rebuilt, run away because that means they are out sourcing the work to another shop. Also be sure to scribe some distinct hidden mark on the body of the rack so you know they didn't lie and just get a outsourced rack.

Now if your have the time to really look around the boneyards you can find a good deal on a steering rack but you have to look for a few things.

You don't want anything with a front end or hard side impact. Both of those put ALLOT of stress on the rack. Try to avoid pulling a rack off a 4wd or if its got larger than the OEM tires. Both of those mean they have had a harder life.

I hate to say it but the only real long term option for a good reliable steering rack is a new one from Toyota for about $800 wholesale.

I went through the steering rack situation about 10 months ago.

FOG

 

Thanks for the replies.

I am going to go look at the rack at the salvage yard and check it out because they already pulled it out for me. I am not exactly sure if the slop in mine is the rack itself or tie rods. I think its the rack because it now clunks and has a little play in the steering wheel. I am hoping this will fix my highway sway problems.

 

Good luck with your yard part. I hope it works out.

I never had good luck with parts like that . The yard is only out a $100.00 or so if it does not work .

While you get to practice changing steering racks or at worst have your truck down a few days.

I hope your luck is better

 

check out www.trail-gear.com !! they have rebuilt units for a little over 200 i believe...

and if you need a little more discount, contact tofer... hes a trail-gear dealer and great guy...