Do I have a problem with my steering rack?

Hi Everyone,

I tried to get my 1998 4X4 taco aligned today and the shop was unable to do it because there was left and right "play" in the front wheels (more so in the drivers side).
They thought it was a worn inner tie rod and quoted me for that. I've got time now and kinda like wrenching on the old girl so I figured that i'd do the work it didn't look too hard.

So I jack the truck up so both front wheels are free and there is left and right play in the tires. It's obvious that the play is coming from under the tie rod boot (where the inner tie rod is). So i take the boot off and the inner tie rod is solid no play at all.

The play is coming from the steering rack cylinder (the cylinder in the rack that has the teeth on it i don't know what it's called) being pushed in an out. As the tire is moved left and right the cylinder moves in and out and the steering wheel turns depending on which way the wheel turns.

Some other information I need an alignment because i've just replaced my front shocks with slightly longer ones for leveling so the wheels are toed in.
There is no sound from the steering rack or wheels when turning.
The steering is very tight ie a small turn in the steering wheel is instantly seen in the tires.
I didn't see any fluid leaking from the steering rack when I took off the boot also there hasn't been any drop in the power steering fluid.
While i was installing the shocks i installed new poly steering rack bushings which I'm sure helps with the tight steering.

Any thoughts? Does this seem like a failing steering rack? Problem with the steering wheel lock? Any other diagnostic tests i could do?
I'm not entirely sure if I have a problem here.

Anyways thanks for your thoughts and comments TW has been a great help recently as i've been having some problems.

 

I think i need to have one tire on the ground to test the tie rod end. Because if they are both in the air they will just turn the steering wheel like they are supposed to.

 

Try replacing the steering rack bushings with some polyurethane ones from Energy Suspension.

 

I have replace the bushings with the polyurethane ones from Energy Suspension and the steering is super tight.

I think the guy lied to me that's the only thing that makes sense.

Cuz there is no problem with my inner tie rod.

My concern was it could be a problem with the rack but now i don't think so.
Cuz right now turning the tire pushes the rack and that turns the steering wheel and as far as i know that's how it's supposed to work.


I'm going to get the alignment done somewhere else.

 

It's likely the rack guide is worn...
and if that isn't keeping tension on the inner rack.
Then the rack's end guides will show play next...
and eventually ruin the rack's end seals..
causing the rack to leak it's contents.

^ that's assuming the itre's are fine and not worn.

Though you can replace the worn rack guide...
the racks end seals may not be too far from failure.
Especially if it has been this way for some time.
The rack end seals can be replaced... but I've never done it.

when those go out... I usually purchase a remanufactured rack.

Preferably a "long rack" (includes itre's)... with a lifetime warranty.

 

Hi Guys,
I stumbled across this video that showing the exact same symptoms as my truck.
http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f296/Austinwhatif9/?action=view&current=MVI_0031.mp4

this video came from this post So it looks like I might be able to fix this slop by just changing the parts mentioned in the post.

My toyota stealer wants an arm and a leg for them tho.
I'll be getting the parts Monday so i'll let you know how it goes.

 

ha, i too had up and down play. I just swapped the whole rack and pinnion, and inner/outer tie rods

problem solved

 

That would work....
But i'm hoping to get away with a small fix cuz everything else looks good not losing any fluid the tie rods still look good so if this fix works I could keep going on this rack for a while yet.

 

Thanks TacoDell you were right on about the worn rack guide. The problem seems to be newish. Within the last 5000 miles or so. So i'll try replacing the rack guide but I'll keep an eye on my fluids and be on the lookout for a new rack.