Steering rack bushing replacements

Really hoping someone can help. The bushings on my steering rack are shot on my 3rd gen tacoma. I cannot find replacements anywhere. Toyota wants to replace the whole rack which I feel is overkill and super $$$. Can anyone suggest bushings that would work?

Thanks!

 

No im over 90k miles. Bought this thing heavily used for what I thought was a good price. Dont have pics of the bushings but I have an issue up front where something is loose. When someone turns my wheel back and forth I can see the whole rack moving.

 

It seems that the 2nd gen may use the same bushings but Im having trouble confirming that. Those are readily available aftermarket.

 

Interesting, I'm sure as the miles amass, others will be interested. For now, you just may have to be the front-runner.

 

Call energy suspension and see if theirs fit

 

From what Im seeing online it seems like something may have changed in 2014. I dont see bushings for tacoma steering racks beyond 2013. The toyota parts diagram states "this part is not supplied as an individual part because it is hard to assemble/disassemble due to the structure"

It does not say "impossible" though!

 

Thanks Ill check them out

 

Yeah, it's probably hard while warranty exists, but us common folk will probably find a way to not only avoid costs of replacing a whole rack, but also keeping that OEM quality if possible. Fixes like this will happen more often as folks drive out from under the protections of warranty.

 

Agreed. I am not spending the 2k they are quoting to replace it. Im not really even willing to spend the $500 for a whole rack to replace myself when bushings are so damn cheap.

FYI they bolted it in in a way that you have to cut the bolts or lift the engine. I feel they are quoting me labor to lift the engine. You can place new bolts in upside down.

 

Is it that different from a 2nd gen? You can change a 2nd gen rack without pulling an engine

 

We need that infomercial guy that builds boats out plexiglass, to make a bushing in a tube

 

Im not sure to be honest. I do know the 2nd gen and 3rd gen racks look identical on the parts diagrams. The 3rd gen bolts are placed top down and cant be removed all the way b/c of that therefore cut the heads and drop them out.

dude thats a million dollar idea!

 

Do you live in an area with multiple Toyota dealers? If so ask for a written estimate for steering rack replacement from another.

 

Im near SLC UT. Called everyone around me and a couple independent shops. Labor prices are stupid.

 

The driver's side bolt will come out... Unbolt the AC compressor and slide it to the side on the studs.

 

Hate to revive a dead thread..
I can confirm you can use the 2nd gen polyurethane bushings with the 3rd gen rack..
The rack is the same design for the 2nd gen Tacoma..
you will need too cut the metal bushings in order to press them out..
Will post pics if anyone is interested..

 

Awesome, thanks for sharing! I’m sure it’ll help someone out of major repair.

 

I'm interested as I just ordered 2g bushings for my 2020. Rack bushing have pretty much left the chat

 

Sorry to join the party late but if you could post those pics, it would be greatly appreciated!
Contemplating on attempting the rack bushing replacement myself.
Thank you in advance!

 

I did the replacement recently. Its pretty straight forward.. The bushings that are in it have a metal sleeve that folds out to make it "clamped" on the rack (thats why they cant be bought seperate for 3rd gen cuz its "one piece")..just remove the bushing then the sleeve and you can insert the poly bushings. I did it with the rack in the truck still and the help of an air hammer. Rotate the rack forward and you can work the old bushings out. I never disconnected the outer tierods.. It also helps to cut the driver side bolt threads off that protrude Past the nut so that it's easier to get bolt out without lifting motor. Took me like 2 hours