Vegas rack and pinion help

i have a leak in my rack and pinion for my 06 Tacoma. I have the part and thought it would be a simple replacement, but I'm in over my head on replacing it. Brother-in-law is as well and I'm looking for someone that would like a couple cases of beer and to teach how to do it.
I've Seen some videos and read some forums but it looks like there is a few PITA parts with some point of no returns.
Paying dealer or garage is more than I want to. I have the part. Just need the brains and know how!

Help me out.

 

I'm doing this project on my 07 Tacoma 4wd. It was hell getting it out since I have never done this job before. (Newbie here)
I'll post some info if you still need help. My truck has 200k

 

I have a leak on mine as well. I'm paying a shop to fix it though.

 

My neighbor works at a Toyota dealer and is hooking me up with cheaper garage fee. So phew. Still about 4-500$

 

Alignment is required after this job.
And don't try this unless you have some mechanical aptitude.

I was able to use a shop lift at my school.- not necessary, but I didn't mind having one.

I have some knowledge in brakes and suspension. So this job can be done by someone who has some experience.

2007 Toyota Tacoma 4 wd double cab
R&R rack n pinion

Remove front tires
Remove skid plate
Remove serpentine belt.
Remove lower ball joints bolts and pry or use special tool to remove it from knuckle/(not sure if it's the correct term)
remove outer tie rods
Drain the power steering fluid
Remove hold down bolts for the power steering rubber lines.
Make sure power steering rubber lines are completely free.
Remove A/C compressor mounting bolts and disconnect connector.
(Remove transmission crossmember bolts(4bolts)
Raise transmission for additional clearance if needed.)
Remove bolts that connect the rack n pinion to the steering column.
Remove rack n pinion mounting bolts
Driver side requires more persistence because a/c compressor gets in the way.
I had a friend help keep compressor out of the way while I pulled the rack n pinion mounting bolt out.
Start pulling rack n pinion out through passenger side It only comes out partially.
Now while keeping P/S lines out of the way pull the rack n pinion toward the driver side fog lights.
Might take a little bit but having someone help makes it easier. And possibly keeps you from breaking any connectors or damaging wires.

To reassemble follow steps in reverse order



I use My truck(200,000 miles) for work and I live on a farm. These trucks can take abuse.
I replaced my passenger lower control arm because the bushings were bad.
I should've done both sides.
I would recommend replacing the bushings and lower ball joint on the lower control arms. If you have a special tool or hydraulic press.

 

This is one of those "more than a few cases of beer" jobs.

It's a bitch, especially the first time you do it (if you flip the mounting bolts upon re-install, subsequent jobs are much easier since you don't have to mess with the AC compressor or cutting bolts).

You have the potential to destroy your spiral cable if you do not keep the wheel centered and install the rack in a centered condition.

 

I forgot to mention keep the steering wheel straight

 

My rack is leaking also. I thought I only needed new boots or something, thinking maybe they're just torn. But in the technical section of this forums, there's a thread on the first page saying that we need to replace the entire steering rack if we see the boots leaking

In any case, mine needs to be fixed also...I have way too much other work that needs to get done in my garage besides this truck's steering, so I'm not interested in trying to fix it myself. What shop and what price have you found to trust?

Thanks!

 

I was gonna get charged 600$ in Labor and 300$ For parts.

In my area shops charge 100$ an hour.

 

I would look for reviews of different auto shops in your area and go with one you like best.

 

Yea I'm gonna shop around for the right shop. But my main question is do we literally need to replace the entire rack?

 

I actually got my steering rack replaced at Centennial Toyota a month ago. Went in for an oil change and the service guy told me about the boots leaking and said I had 500 miles left until I was out of warranty, so he ordered the part and set an appointment for me. He saved me from paying about 2K at a shop.