Do I need a new Rack and Pinion?

Hey guys. Please check out these photos. I was under my truck yesterday. Does it look like I need a new Rack and Pinion? Thank you.

 

Can't really tell from the pictures. Are you constantly adding fluid to the reservoir? The boots on mine are a bit wet, but I don't notice any material drop in the resivour - I won't worry about it until I am regularly adding fluid to the reservoir.

 

Need is subjective.
You could certainly use a new rack.
I’ve done exactly 2 R&P on vehicles. (Not Tacomas)
Both sucked, I don’t want to do them again.
If it were me, I’d be like @JAGCanada. But that’s not the best advice.

The right answer is, Yes.
Yes, you need a new rack.

 

Yup can’t rebuild them and it will get worse with time eventually damaging the pump.

They suck to do on 4x4 models.

I’d top up for now but start planning on replacing it.

 

I noticed it was a little low about a month ago and I added some fluid but barely any. Since then it hasn’t really gone down too much in the resevoir.

 

I saw another thread in here. I was going to go ahead and get the cardone refurbished one on Rock Auto. I called a place and they said they’d put it in for $600 labor. Does that sound about fair? I’m in California so go easy on me. Haha.

 

It's about 4-5 hours labour and alignment after. I Think 600$ is a steal! We have "california" prices up here in canada.

 

yes. I bought a new Toyota rack online for much less than I was quoted. The Toyota dealership installed it for me. It’s a job and a half unless you have a lift.

 

Looks about right. I was quoted $700 or about 4 hours of labor from a shop to install a new rack. I may do it myself but short on time and I know it’s a pains

 

Every Second Gen I’ve looked at has the wet rack boot. I think they start weeping within a few years of rolling off the lot.

 

Doesn't sound like you are loosing a lot of fluid. I'd just keep an eye on it but wouldn't be in a rush to replace it. If you start loosing a lot of fluid, I'd think about replacing it. Like Sharpish mentioned above, a wet boot is pretty common.

 

What kind of racks are people using for replacement? Are people going after market or factory? I have installed and paid for installation of non OEM racks in the past and they never lasted more than a few years for me. Maybe I just went with the wrong aftermarket brand. Curious.

 

I saw another post that referenced the Cardone brand from Rock Auto. That was I was planning on using when I do it.

 

Okay thanks. I’ll be watching this thread. I have had bad luck with Autozone and Napa racks on prior vehicles so I am jaded.

 

New OEM racks are unobtanium. National back order AFAIK. Maybe you’ll have luck with a used one from a low mileage wreck. Pretty sure All R&P are the same from 2005 - 2023

 

that’s a bummer I got a new oem rack back in ‘21 for 558 shipped.

 

Yeah I got one in 2020 for $400 and change. Prices went up to $1G before they became unobtainium