Steering Rack Leaking 2nd Time in 3 Years. Why?

So, a little less than 3 years ago, I replaced my original rack with the full kit from Low Range Offroad. This rack lasted a little over a year before it started leaking from both boots. Low Range replaced it under warranty and during that process I discovered they just re-package an inexpensive rack from Autozone. The second replacement has now also started leaking from the passenger boot. Is it common for these racks to not last long? What experiences have you guys had with the steering kit from Low Range or other brands?

https://lowrangeoffroad.com/toyota/...ck-and-pinion-kits-by-low-range-off-road.html

 

If they are just sending you AutoZone racks that's probably it. I just looked at your link and they are selling their racks for 600+? Aren't OEM racks around $500 or less?


Oh yeah, also make sure you are cleaning out your reservoir screen so you're not starving the rack of fluid.

 

OEM

 

I haven't checked prices for OEM racks, but I think part of the Low Range cost is they include the core charge since they don't require you to return the old one.
Forgot to mention that when I replaced it the first time, I also replaced the pump, reservoir, and hoses. The entire system was completely new.

 

The steering rack especially for these trucks are one of those things that you should just go OEM for. It's a sad state of affairs when you can't even find a quality rack anymore unless it's from the OE manufacturer. They aren't even complicated things. I think I read a post about someone rebuilding theirs recently but can't find it. If you still have your original one, maybe look at that route. If you're strapped for cash. I would pull one from the junker that is in good shape and swap it in.

 

I got an OEM rack from Mcgeorge Toyota online for $525 shipped a year ago or so. At the time that was the best deal I could find on a new OEM one

aftermarket ones are much cheaper of course but they have a reputation for not lasting long.

 

I put in a new rack from Toyota and mine has play from the dealer. Nothing is like it use to be the world has changed.

 

Just got my truck back from the shop after a steering rack replacement. They told me the reason the rack and inner tie rods keep failing is that at full droop the inner tie rod is binding and placing additional force on the rack and seals. That mostly makes sense to me but in all my countless hours of research I've never heard of this happening and there are countless others who have the exact setup as me. Any of you had to deal with this? How did you overcome it?

I'm a little worried cause I'm heading out to canyonlands for thanksgiving and I really don't want to break something 100 miles from civilization.

My mechanic recommended trying these (link) heim joint outer tie rods that have more articulation, but that doesn't make sense because that would put the outer tie rod end even more at an angle. Would possible work if the taper was the opposite direction, but I think that would cause some bumpsteer.



Or, is my mechanic just wrong?

 

Those should only matter if you have extended or long travel with longer LCAs..
Not sure how a heim joint in that location would allow much more articulation (1/2" maybe?) than a ball joint - it would just mean your end link ball joint wont leak because its a dry system

 

I had a tough go with Low Range. I saw they sold one and was told they had the updated guide. Even their website shows a picture of the updated guide. I was not impressed. I also had to spend $150 extra to ship it back for a refund. Even though what they show on their online store was a picture of an updated rack it in fact was not. I sent it back and got an OEM one from camelback Toyota which I should of done in the first place.

Needless to say I will never do business with them again.

 

Is your truck lifted? If so- what kinda lift are you running, at what settings? (this is just a fact-finding question to ensure you haven't stacked a spacer lift on top of a bilstien 5100 at the max lift setting).

 

I started buying from them because I heard they were local to me in Utah. Since then, it looks like they've all kinda merged into one company with Wheelers, AllPro, and Trail Gear. I've called Wheelers a bunch and Steve was super helpful. There's another guy who didn't hear a word I was saying and was really pretty rude and wouldn't really help me. I'll be specifically asking for Steve each time now.

 

I've got the OME full heavy set. New version Dakars with AAL in rear, 2882 in front. I've got the 5mm spacer on the drivers side.

 

I’ve been running a $250 Detroit axle rack off of Amazon for 5-6 years now. No issues.

 

Did you replace with new hoses with the rack?

Most hydraulic hoses are rated for 60mo service life.....

then they become like cancer....shedding internally ...scotty calls it 'Liquid sandpaper'......
some are trying to get last little bit out of things.....sometimes...its a big mistake.....

fuel/brake lines are exception......the synthetic rubber gives a little more life.....
but even they give up the ghost....eventually......