OEM steering rack rebuild s

I recommend not messing with it unless you know it needs checked, it was a royal PITA to get mine in just the right setting again after I loosened and then tightened it. It's extremely sensitive to it's torque setting and you can really tell in the feel of the steering if it's not quite right. I still need to try to get it just right

Sorry for the thread derail OP

 

I just want a tiiiny bit tighter steering. So whacha think? 15 degrees tighter?

 

honestly I would probably try to achieve that with an alignment rather than messing with the rack guide, but yeah only 15˚ if that if you do give it a try. If you get more caster added to your alignment it should tighten up the feel as well going into corners. Also having poly LCA bushings and poly steering rack bushings helps firm it up.

 

I've got the poly steering rack bushings, but I've always felt this new one was loose compared to the factory rack. Can see what an alignment will do. Thanks

 

What I can tell you is this I’ve seen the remain racks from Toyota and the remain from Napa they appear to me to be remain by the same company not 100 percent sure but the packaging that the steering rack comes on is a flat cardboard box that is shrink wrapped was the same with the same little orange tag regarding flush, and same tie rod end boot clamps just a heads up. That was for second gen tho

 

why not check out one of these

https://toyotaparts.lagrangetoyota....4425035042?c=bD0xJm49U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHMmaz0x

https://www.suburbanautoparts.com/o...az0x&msclkid=39a679495f141c70af1d24d0e317ce08

 

i dont think you can get a new rack from toyota anymore. just remans. when i got my new rack a few years back there were only a few left in the country.

 

I spoke with a dealer recently and the OEM reman part #44250-35042-84 and have a core charge of 150.00

You can still get OEM racks with part #44250-35042



Anyone have experience with this?

 

Well if the new racks are still available, snatch them up! They’re the best! Lol

 

So who all has tackled this DIY? If the rack is leaking I think this is great solution. However, I don't see in here where this procedure addresses any gear lash between the rack and pinion. I assume there is generally always wear on the two components and the only way to remedy this is new parts of to be able to adjust the clearance between them. Did Toyota design any adjustability into this interface? TIA!

 

Your speaking on the steering rack guide.....

Sloppy Steering - Help me track it down! | Tacoma World


There's new updated parts........new spring, guide, and a new cap....

 

No, that isn't what I am asking about but that is a must-do mod even for un-lifted vehicles that use this steering rack.

I am referring to the gear lash. The interface between the round gear at the end of the column where it meets the geared shaft. Much like a differential this interface is critical to a proper fit, free of excessive slop/play/clearance/gear lash or any other synonym that suits your fancy. In this writeup I didn't notice a method to mitigate wear on these components. I am all about saving money so I like the idea of this rebuild but if I go through with it and still end up with play in my steering system it was a waste of time.

 

I never explored that option but I understand what your talking about.

A very valid question.

Have you looked if those parts can be bought new ?

 

Gear lash between the rack and the pinion gear is zero.
The rack guide has two functions. The curved shape of the guide itself prevents up and down movement of the rack shaft. The "cap and spring" prevent front to back movement of the shaft and keep it pressed (preloaded) against the pinion gear, constant zero lash. The cap is sometimes known as the "preload adjuster".
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rack-pinion-service-tools-tips.312600/#post-8072827