Tired of the stiff and whinning steering in my 96,,,,help.

Ok,,,,,I got a 96 Tacoma 4x4,,,pics included,had the old frame rot,,,,,Jersey truck,long story short,had a shade tree mechanic do me a frame swap.Junk yard computer said 2000 model was same so that's what it got.My question is I'm about to order me a new rack and pinion,do I order it for a 96 or 2000? Not a mechanic by no means,but I dont remember the steering being this stiff before the frame swap?.?

 

A supplier will give you a range of years a specific rack will fit.

Why do you feel it needs a new rack? Leaking?

 

If you're hearing whining as you turn the wheel, that's your PS pump, not the rack.

 

I've put on a new power steering pump,after cleaning the screen,still had the whinning,just guessing the rack is the problem,no not leaking.I got to have the front end aligned,and the shop told me the inner tie rods are worn out and need to be replaced before he could align it.So why not just replace the whole rack,,,,,?

 

The PS original pumps rarely go bad on these, even high milers, if after replacing it and cleaning the reservoir, the rack, go OEM the ITRE come with it for about $500

i have heard, but cannot find the deal, on one place that was including oem outers with that $500 .. so anyone chime in where that is. I need one.

probably safe to go with the 2000 and ask if the rack has the upgraded/newer rack guide.

Also watch Timmy the Toolmans vid on YT and maybe you can save $ by diy

 

Have you checked the belt tension?

 

The pump usually whines due to a clogged screen in the reservoir, old/bad fluid, loose belt... worse case the pump itself is bad and needs replaced but I'd try those first few things before deciding to replace it

Does your steering rack leak near the inner tie rod boots?

 

I was told the pulley on front of the pump might have bearings in it that's making the whinning noise.Done clean the screen,new fluid pumped through system 3 times.

 

Mcgeorge toyota online is where I got my oem rack just a few months ago. Great pricing, shipping. Only thing is they don't have a tech line over the phone, but do answer by email and are pretty quick. Came with inner tie rods and actually did have the updated rack guide already installed.

 

Yeah thats true too...the bearing in the pulleys are known to go bad and make a bearing chirping noise. When they spin fast it sounds more like a whine

 

I agree with others. Nothing in rack can make whining noise, has to have something to do with pump or hoses.

 

Perhaps you're thinking of this?

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toyo...t-by-low-range-off-road-tac-sp-1gen-urpk.html

 

I’ve looked at this as an option, these are rebuilt OEM right?...
the deal was $500 for just rack (inners too) and outers From T4R forums but haven’t received a response.