1st gen rack and pinion

I have a 2002 tacoma 2.4 I changed my rack and pinion and my power steering pump and my steering is stiff and doesn't recenter why??? I changed both twice within 2 weeks thinking it's defected but still stiff please help with answers how to fix it plz thanks

 

Maybe the rack guides in the steering rack, there's a big bolt thing on the drivers side you could try loosening a hair and see if that helps. Like a 1/8th or 1/4 turn.

someone else with more knowledge will probably reply at some point

 

How do I do that you have pictures or something??

 

The following thread shows how to adjust the rack guide. For your year you should have the newer style guide as shown in the thread below. Easiest way to tell is the guide cap will be a socket head hex.

Don't know if you got a new OEM steering rack or a reman. If the latter it's possible you could have got the older style which will have a hex head cap (not socket) and is the roller style guide. No idea if the tightening procedure is the same for the old style. (For the newer style guide)

 

So all I got to do is loosen the hey bolt a lil bit???

 

No it doesn't work that way. You loosen the the lock nut, torque the guide cap to 18 ft/lbs, then back it off 19°, then retighten the lock nut.

Keep in mind....1/4 of a turn is 90°, 1/8 of a turn is 45°, 1/16 of a turn is 22.5°. So slightly less than 1/16 of a turn is how much you want to back it off. Can use a protactor to make marks for 19°. If you don't have the proper tools, that's up to you if you just want to loosen it at random. Too loose & you'll have sloppy steering. Too tight you'll wear out the guide & rack prematurely as well as tight steering.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Have you replaced hoses ?

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks guys
And no I haven't changed any hoses idk if it's that