another day another problem with this truck

Just found out my steering rack needs replaced. The steering wheel has about 2 inches of play in it. I had a trusted shop check it out and they say the steering rack needs replaced. With labor i was quoted $1500 using a new toyota rack and $1200 using a aftermarket rack.
Im tired of this truck, every few months something needs fixed. I dont wheel it, it sits in my driveway most of the time, or It sees highway miles. This "toyota" quality everybody speaks of is a urban myth to me.

 

That sucks, how much is the part alone? Doesn't seem like a $1500 issue.

 

Rack and pinion at Autozone is 389.99 how much is it there

 

is it the rack or the bushings?

 

Luckily I had mine replaced under warranty a few months ago. There was a rattle in the steering wheel on rough washboard roads, and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft. Sorry to hear about your shop bill.

 

I didnt get all the prices from the shop. He did say four hours of labor, and that the rack from toyota was $950.

The truck is a stock 2005 trd sport with 132k miles

 

Get the part from a parts store like Autozone and it has limited lifetime warranty. Its not bad to install, sounds like the shop you took it too was looking for a quick fuck then you walked in.

 

A number of local members as well as a few shops use these guys and seem to be pretty reliable.

http://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow_...artname=Power_Steering_Rack&partno=80-01097_R

 

sorry to hear. i had the tsb a while back and it solved alot of the rattle. Now i have a shake at 65-70 area. probably an alignment or balancing issue with my wheels. 1500 is alot to swallow though so i feel your pain.

 

how many miles on your truck OP?

 

sub'd to see how this turns out. no problems on my 09 at this point.

 

132k miles

 

I didnt buy it new.
Im considering buying the advance auto/auto zone rack then just paying the labor.

I have had it for a little over 2 years. My drivers side leaf spring broke, upper driver side ball joint needed replaced, o2 sensor, the check engine light comes and goes, had it scanned twice and it comes back as another o2 sensor (the upper one that is more expensive). There is a short in the stock fog light wiring. My stock cd player stopped working. Front passenger side axle seal leaks. I bought this truck because i needed a reliable four wheel drive vehicle that would not give me headaches, it has been the opposite.

 

1. the truck is about a 10 years old.
2. it has over 132K on it
Leaf spring breaking sucks. But you're at the right time to be replacing O2 sensors. A short isn't a big deal if you just find. Seal leaking:again it has 132K on it. Seals will leak at that age.

 

wierd 218,000kms on my 08 and havent had a problem with 02 sensors, seals, or any of that crap. my rack is leaking though most likely due to the fact that ive rat bagged my truck and run bigger tires. and i can buy the rack for 730CDN + tax so $950 USD for oem sounds like a crap price considering they mark up the parts in canada like crazy....

i think really though if you wanted a perfect truck you should have bought brand new. parts fail or get worn out its not uncommon.

 

How many miles on the ball joint?

 

Exactly. Who knows what previous owner/s did to the truck. That is always one of my concerns when buying used.

 

I'll give you $1500 for it if you deliver it sounds like a fair price for a truck with so many problems.

 

Axle seal is a walk in the park, the rack isn't, but there are two DIY's here on TW that tell you how. Unless wrenching yourself isn't your thing, but it does save beaucoup bucks.

 

I agree with this statement.
I got an 04 this past fall that has needed a great deal of attention and now that everything is seemingly up to being dependable its a great truck and I enjoy driving it.
when I got it home I discovered clumps of mud all over the inside of the frame and in the engine bay. I may get lucky tho and be able to get it replaced but I learned that buying used may come with issues after all people usually get rid of vehicles because they know with age come maintenance and that always cost money