05+ V6 Tacoma Steering Rack Bushing replacement

Didn't read all 14 pages but, the power steering rack is really the only thing on my Tacoma I would consider a failed part - so far. Near 100k miles on it. I'm chasing down an airbag issue too, but my power steering rack started leaking around 65k miles. Pathetic.
I replaced the bushings when I put in my new one as well. Seemed like the best time to do it.
I have 2 tips on this.

1- Run seat belt through steering wheel so when it's loose it doesn't go anywhere and snap up your clock spring.
2- There are 2 long ass bolts that hold in the power steering rack. They drop in from the top because at the factory that's the easiest way to install things. But then they put your ENTIRE FREAKING ENGINE IN and they're a pain in the ass to get out. You may need to take a grinder to them to remove. When you reassemble do yourself a favor - flip em. I do this a lot with my truck. If a fastener is a stupid pain in the ass I flip it or ditch it. Yes I wouldn't be a very good dealer mechanic but then again... I actually fix stuff so yeah.

Dealer wanted over $2200 to replace the PS rack. Part was $250. Cost me a weekend but I gained some knowledge. If you're on the fence - just do it!

 

Is there a way to properly check if there's play in those bushings? I feel some free play on gravel roads, and debating if it's the upper intermediate steering shaft or these bushings ?

 

I flipped the bolts when I did my bushings, no way was I dropping them back in from the top. I put castle nut and cotter pin on top.


Try falling out now.

 

Thought I would share this and get some suggestions.

I installed the bushings and flipped the bolt from the bottom up and tightened/torqued fron the head to 68ft lb. Here is what happened.



The lip of the bushing is ripping away from between the rack and the metal insert. So....I got another set thinking I was under torqued. Torqued to 100ft lb. Same result.

One other thing to note, I don't have eccentrics anymore. I have Taco Tabs that lock out the alignment. If the truck can not be bumped out of alignment, is all of the steering force going through the rack and into the bushings?

 

I have same prob with bushings squeezing out some. Don't sweat it too much. As for bumping force, lca and uca bushings will take the load as well.

 

Ok. But the lips are ripped off of mine. This second time the rack isn't moving though. What did you torque to?

 

Torqued to 3 ugga duggas

 

Fair enough. Thanks

 

Couldn't get my torque wrench in there, so ugga duggas it was

 

Mine did the same thing, I thought I over torqued it. I still think I may have.
My other thought is the the bushing slipped out of alignment with the bolt while I was wrestling the rack back in there. I used the Energy Suspension bushes.
A little bit of squeezing out is not s big deal but mine squished so much it ripped around the top, which is less than ideal.

I did not replace it and so far I haven't noticed any handling or steering issues. I do plan on replacing them eventually, if nothing else just to make it a clean install.

 

Same here. 35s and going offroad probably helped rip the lip off. Still steers fine though

 

Saw this and it made me think of you guys

 

Were you able to get it out on a v6, 4x4? Trying to gauge my options before I jump in. Haha

 

On a v6, 4x4?

 

4x4, v6?

 

v6, 4x4?

 

Not intending to spam and probably could of consolidated these but was easier to just hit quote as I was skimming through.

Trying to see if fudging with rolling it is also an option for us 4x4, v6 guys. Couple people have said the v6 4x4 is a def bolt cut off (without doing AC, etc.) and a few people have had success otherwise, but no specifications. So just tryna clear up the possibilities for me and anyone else who might find themselves here trying to get a game plan together.

 

V6 4x4 I unbolted ac from mount and removed the bolt. Then removed rack from vehicle.

 

Word, thats gonna be my first plan assuming it doesn't become an issue. Then planned to try and rock it (if a possibility). Then I will cut it. Really need to get it done today and don't wanna have to wait on the bolt, so trying to avoid that if possible.