How to change the rack and pinion steering -2nd gen V6

I am wondering this same thing. I can see some fluid on my bellow on my passenger side. The dealership also told me that my R&P was leaking fluid; however, I haven't had any drop in fluid in my reservoir?? I check it regularly and it hasn't dropped at all. I will be replacing my R&P because of the apparent leak, but also because I have 250,000 miles on my truck. I saw the comment from @hx989 but I believe my power steering pump is working properly. The dealership didn't find any issues with it either. I will take a look at it when I replace the R&P as well as the power steering lines. Replacing the PS pump shouldn't be too difficult.

 

Lot of comments about trying to separate the steering shaft from the rack so I thought I would add my experience. First off I soaked it with pb blaster. I tried prying on it from all angles to no avail, finally I managed to get a pickle fork in over the top of the cv boot. That got it moving and I was then able to place a pry bar against the knuckle and drive it off with a mfh.

 

Does anyone know the size of the o rings that go on the fittings that go back into the rack?

 

Thanks for the write up, this was SUPER helpful! I noticed my steering is pretty stiff, is that to be expected?

Thanks!

 

Just finished mine and the steering is more firm than before, but I wouldn't say it's stiff.

 

Ok some quick notes from my install.

First off, I have to say that this was way more intimidating than it really is. Kinda like the cam gears. I dragged my feet for a long time before finally doing it.

As we know the driver's side mounting bolt doesn't come out without some kind of encouragement. Obviously some people choose to unbolt the compressor, some cut the base of the bolt and I even read where (I think, @hx989 ) unbolted the trans to get everything to tilt upwards.
Well, I opted for another way. After removing the nut, I took the passenger bolt and from underneath, pushed the driver's side bolt as high as I could. That gave me plenty of room to work. Took a hacksaw and cut about 1/3 of the way through it. Dropped the bolt back down, put the nut back on it, held the bolt w/ a wrench and tightened it w/ the impact gun, snapping the bolt in half. So easy.

From there, took the inner tie rod off the passenger side.

The rest was history.

Getting the new oem rack in was a piece of cake. I bought a new oem return/feed line as well. New atf fluid went in and on the wiggie board we go! Steering is dead center. Steering feel is a bit heavier, in a good way. I'm happy it's done and hopefully won't have to touch it for another 185k . Huge thanks to my neighbor for the help on this.

Total time from opening the garage, taking a break and cleaning up was 3:40!

Some pics to go along w/ everything......

 

Unfortunately I need to do this again lol.

 

Anyone know where to get new pressure/return lines that don’t cost an arm and a leg??

 

Rockauto

 

I have to do this f'n job again. At least I was able to pick up a used rack for $60.

 

Do yourself a favor - replace the lines and throw a filter in there while you're at it. Mine was supposedly replaced by the previous owner and what I heard was debris in the lines is what causes them to fail right after replacement.

 

Thanks for the input. Where do you put the filter?

 

I cut the return line just before the reservoir and put it there.

 

Does anyone know the inner tie rod diameter on the Cardone #262629 ???

I just bought these tie rod ends to put on my new rack so I can do it all at once, I went to test fit the TRE’s on the rack and it seems they’re too small. On the companies website there’s 2 options for your inner TRE diameter, 15mm for up to 2009 and 16mm for 2010+. I assumed it to be 15mm but I must be wrong. Anyone know the measurements on these racks?

https://www.prgproducts.com/product-page/toyota-tacoma-fj-4runner-heimtie-rod-end

 

Quick question please....I went to the Rock Auto website and searched for part number 262629 and the steering rack showed up as available. But if I search for a steering rack for a 2009 Tacoma it does not pull up that number but one slightly different, 262647. Both state they fit 2005-2021. Should I just order the 262629 and call it a day? Anyone know if the two part numbers are the same part?

 

I did the same thing, was concerned that it was the wrong part because of that. BUT, if you look up the 262629 part it has the OEM toyota part listed in parenthesis and it's for sure the correct one.

 

Thank you! Peace of mind you know....

Anything else that should be replaced or have on hand when this is done? I am thinking the hoses should be fine. It is a 2009 but only has 45K on it.

 

Okay everyone, I’m currently doing this. It’s going good so far, my question is, I bought new feed/return lines and they came with 2 copper washers for the banjo fitting. When I took the old lines off, there were no washers? Do I put both on or just one or none?

 

did you buy new OEM?
For some reason, I can’t say I remember mine (oem) coming with washers.

 

I bought the same one as OP. Came with 2, everything I saw online said to put both on so I did. So far so good but I only took it for a test drive.