1st Gen 03' Tacoma Rack & Pinion Replacement

Does anyone have ideas on why this will be my 3rd rack & pinion replacement in four years? What is going on? This current one is leaking and the boots are blown out. - Okay, yes, I do have 450,000 miles on my 3.4 v6 5vzfe as of 12/10/22, but really? 3 in four years?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Chris

 

What kind of rack have they put in? OEM refurb?

 

Are you using Toyota OEM racks or cheaper O'Reilly/local parts store ones?

The remanufactured are known not to last very long and the recommendation is to just buy one from Toyota.

Unless you're a good mechanic, then rebuild a Toyota one yourself.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rack-pinion-service-tools-tips.312600/
https://www.customtacos.com/threads/steering-gear-rack-rebuild-how-to.113620/

 

I'm starting to think the power steering fluid reservoir may not be being cleaned, flushed and the filter replaced. Wouldn't this cause an early failure with the rack in a year or so if the fluid is dirty?

 

Jasonlee, I believe at least the last one was replaced with a NAPA one.