Replaced Rack & Pinion- Now Steering Is Too Tight

So I replaced my rack & pinion a couple days ago because I've had issues with my steering wheel (the past 40k miles) rapidly move back and forth really fast (even at 20mph - 70mph speeds). After talking to multiple shops, getting three different alignments, balances, rotations, new wheels and tires, and looking online at similar issues from other people, I bought a NAPA rack & pinion and installed it. As soon as I finished installing the rack & pinion along with outer tie rods, I got an alignment. The issue with the steering wheel going back and forth really fast is now fixed, BUT my steering is super super tight. Could it be that the power steering is going now or what's your thoughts?
Thanks

 

When you say tight... do you mean hard to turn? What was your caster?

 

I have same issue. bought it used like that. Does your steering wheel "return to center" or do you have to recenter it yourself after a turn ? I cleaned out the screen in the pump resevoir but didnt help. Ive read on here where others have got clogged up, mine was pretty clean. I plan on trying other things to get it fixed. Not fun to drive like this. If I figure anything out I keep you posted.

 

Did you flush the lines and cooler? Did you properly bleed it, following the instructions? Also, I hope you were extra careful not to get any contaminants into the open lines/ports.

 

try the adjuster lock nut.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/adjusting-steering-backlash.56213/
Not sure if I did that copy paste right but if I did this is a good read on what you are talking about. Gonna check this out tomorow weather permitting.

 

I had this problem with a Honda Civic. Turns out the joint in the steering column that connects to the rack was bad. Maybe this helps...

On a side note I have had aftermarket racks out of the box bind up when turning.

 

I agree with Bebop. I would first check the lower intermediate shaft universal joint. They are known to cause binding issues when they are worn.

 

Op have you tried this ? I have changed out my lower intermidiate shaft and it was fine. Now I have a spare. Still havent got to the adjuster nut yet. If its not that maybe power steering pump or rack. Op if you figure anything out keep me posted . I will do the same. Love my tacoma but this is annoying.

 

That's horrible QA. I can't stand when parts are bad out of the box.

OP... May not be a bad idea to check caster settings. If they are too high steering will be difficult as well.

 

Happens all the damn time. Spending years getting bad parts, you learn what brands to avoid.

 

You do. I mostly stick to Denso, AC Delco, and mostly dealer items, but even some of the reliable brands have had their fallacies. That has been the most frustrating. Chinese parts outsourcing is the new future. There is no longer pride of craftsmanship and QA.

 

That’s gone out the door with parts made out of Chinese scrap metal. AICARDONE has the flagship of shitty parts.

 

Service manual list as possible causes for Hard Steering:

1. Tires (Improperly inflated)
2. Power steering fluid level (Low)
3. Drive belt (Loose) (2TR-FE)
4. Drive belt (Loose) (1GR-FE)
5. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) (2WD)
6. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) (4WD and Pre-Runner)
7. Steering system joints (Worn) -
8. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn) (2WD)
9. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn) (4WD and Pre-Runner)
10. Steering column (Binding) -
11. Vane pump (2TR-FE)
12. Vane pump (1GR-FE)
13. Power steering link (2WD)
14. Power steering link (4WD and Pre-Runner)

To properly adjust the Preload the rack should be removed and on the bench. You should never have to do this under normal circumstances.

Here is the how to from the service manual: https://www.customtacos.com/tech.ol.../06toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/045007.pdf

 

Adjust the backlash.

 

ive had a vehicle with the same issue, and the customer only wanted the rack replaced. as it turned out the PS pump and lines were contaminated with stuff from the faulty rack and the pump valve was stuck causing it to have hard steering. pretty common thing is to pressure test the pump and see if the output is to spec. if not hate to say it but you might need the pump and lines. also, check the intermidiate shaft joint and make sure its not binding.