WTF is wrong here

spindle wouldn't be, the LBJ would. 1st Gens, the tie-rod mount is on the LBJ casting.

To the OP, the spindle is the part connecting the UCA and LCA with the CV axle going through, supported on a wheel bearing.

 

Part the tie rod end connects to, hopefully no one was stupid enough to do what I described to you, but I would check the tapered seat when you have it apart,just to make sure it doesn't look trashed.

 

For Reference

 

I'll point it out again, the tie-rod attaches to the LBJ casting on 1st Gens and not directly to the spindle, like 2nd Gens. The LBJ is fairly cheap and easy to replace if you have to.

 

Sorry didn't catch that. I'll butt out

 

Not trying to stop you. You've got some good info and trying to help. Just don't want to get the OP spun up, thinking he's got to replace an entire spindle assembly.

 

It's cool man, not my goal at all, just got going too fast.

 

As OSUgoose pointed out, the ball-joint on the tie-rod looks like it is sitting a bit too deep. Check the LBJ to see if it is spitting grease. Don't know how many miles you got on your truck but being an '03, might be best to replace the LBJs anyways.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaQCb894F_M

If you do replace the LBJ, it is recommended to replace the 4 bolts that mount it to the spindle and use some loctite on 'em.

 

Think I should go to war with the fold that installed the rack and pinion?

 

Don't know the full story but if they weren't like that before taking the truck to a shop and they were messing around in that area, I'd ask a bunch of questions.

 

Now I really need help! I did look after all your help and for sure the pin is gone and the nut is way down. I did put a new cotter pin in but it was so loose and look totally incorrect with the way the nut is sitting. It has a full three threads below the bottom of the nut (How is that even possible?) I guess that was the reference to a damaged spindle. There is also fresh grease oozing from the boot. I don't have near the knowledge as you so when I go see these guys I wanted some info ammo. When you replace the rack and pinion do you have to remove the LBJs? If I have never replaced the ball joints... which I haven't, and now they are leaking truly fresh grease and are all jacked up wouldn't that indicate their involvement? and I simply cant picture what happened to those dust shields.... even with a hammer striking them I don't see how it could cause that type of damage. truly appreciate your help!

 

1. The picture you posted shows the outer tie rod (OTR) for the steering rack. (not the LBJ, although the OTR connects to the LBJ casting)
2. To pull the steering rack, you have to pull the OTR.
3. The OTR ball joint boot is leaking grease, a bad thing.
4. The dust shield shows sign of trauma, another bad thing.
5. The nut seems to be sitting way low which would indicate the ball joint stem is jammed way up in there, another bad thing.

If you had a shop replace the steering rack and the brake dust shield and the OTR didn't look like that going in, I would take the truck back to the shop and point to the damage and ask them to fix it. Explain the situation, be firm but polite.

 

It really looks like you took the thing to a butcher shop, not an auto repair facility. You have every right to ask them to make it right, but I wonder if they can. By that I mean, it can be made right, but I'm not sure if they can do it, judging by the work they have done up to now. Truly ugly.

 

Ok so the joint that is lacking the pin and leaking grease is what holds the outer tie rod... And it must have been removed if they replaced the rack and pinion. I will call them tomorrow. Thanks ill let you all know.

 

Any technician who let a vehicle leave a shop in that condition should be selling shoes at Sears, not wrenching.

 

I would not trust that they could tie them correctly.

 

with knowing that seems like the person who did the rack used a pickle fork to separate the tie rod, ruining the boot in the process

 

Yeah, I pretty much have come to the conclusion that i won’t be bringing it back to them. Even if they admit fault I couldn't trust their work, especially if it’s done for free. I will just have to do it all myself. Unreal how few professionals there are in this world? I hope it’s not insanely difficult to replace these parts. What should I use to remove the BJ if not a pickle fork? I guess I won’t be concerned if they get destroyed since they already are. I wonder if this is also tied to this issue that I started after they did the rack (they also replaced the brake pads)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/317952-one-experts.html

This place destroyed my truck, and I have so little in the way of funds for this. Truly disappointing.

 

watch the videos I posted. You need nothing more than a hammer to get the BJs to pop once the nut is off.

If you have $15, can buy a puller that makes it go a lot faster. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Tie-rod-puller/_/N-264w?itemIdentifier=555631_0_0_

I think these can be rented as well.