So this is what the lube tech said…(rack and pinion issue)

It seems to turn fine on accessory mode as well. Is there a way to gauge this? Like should it be an immediate response?

 

I agree. I’m gonna drive it “til the wheels fall off.”

 

the general rule is that if you have a diagnosis of anything at all from a lube tech, then get an assessment from a qualified tech and don't even ask the internet until you do.

 

Set your cell phone up or GoPro to look at the rack / boots / tie rod ends. The whole idea is to see if something else moves before the tires do.

 

The best way to inspect suspension/steering is to lift the wheel off the ground and grab the tire at 9 and 3, move side to side while inspecting for sloppy components. This will check tie rods and steering mostly.
Then grab at 12 and 6, move tire up and down, if there’s any play at all in this direction, you most likely have a ball joint or wheel bearing concern.
Moving the steering wheel back and forth while looking underneath can make it seem like there’s an issue even when there isn’t because your rack bushings are designed to flex slightly as you turn, making it seem like there’s slop even when everything is fine.

 

I agree. I guess I kind of jumped the gun on this one.

 

Did you ask him to look at your rack & pinion, I'm guessing no.

Were you experiencing symptoms of a bad rack? For example morning sickness. I'm guessing no.

So here we have someone recommending a "repair" that he will somehow be compensated for if you follow through with the repair.

Best reply, oh thanks for the info, I'll have the Toyota dealership look at it right away.

 

was the truck on the ground or on a lift when the tech felt the "slack"?

 

There hasn’t been any leaked fluid. What is morning sickness? I’m inclined to agree with you. I’m gonna take it to a front end expert and gonna have him take a look.

 

I’m not sure. And I couldn’t get the guy to give me a sufficient explanation as to why he thought that it was bad.

 

Morning sickness is a condition where the steering feels stiff when the car is first started on a cold morning. Normal power assist does not return until the car is driven awhile and warms up. Not as common of a problem as it was in the 1980's & 1990's.

 

It may be a while before I can check that. It’s 96 degrees here in Arkansas. Lol. To be honest the truck hasn’t done anything to make me think that it had steering issues. Im gonna take it to a front end specialist and get a second opinion. I’ll update the page when I get it figured out.

 

***Update***

I took the truck to a front end mechanic who put it through the works. Checked Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, and even the bushings on the rack: he found nothing suspect at all.

Moral of the story… never trust a lube tech.

 

Good news!

 

You should send the bill to the lube tech.