Is this worth the hassle

Dealer's can access vin#'s to see service reports and do so, especially with warranty claims.

 

When I bought my 23 Sport, the salesman offered me a 1.5" TRD lift as part of the accessory sales tactics as we were finalizing numbers. I don't understand how a Toyota dealership would offer me that then tell you that your lift caused the issue? Smells like BS to me

 

It’s because I installed it myself with “aftermarket” parts. It really is bs. Considering the trd 2/1 lift is the exact same parts but the billsteins are set to an even higher setting than mine

 

Update in case anyone was wondering, I put all my stock parts back on (front suspension, rear suspension and wheels/tires) took it to a different dealer and they warrantied the power steering rack. Glad I got this taken care of I thank y’all for the advice

 

Glad it worked out. FWIW I think you made the best choice here.
I recently changed the PS fluid as part of the 60K service. I had never changed PS fluid in any vehicle I’ve ever owned. I plan on having this truck for a long, long time so I’m doing everything I can to extend its life.

 

This is a 150k issue on a lifted truck or stock?

 

I suspect it has something to do with “Toyota” performing the work.

 

I have seen plenty of stock Toyotas at 150k with leaky racks. We replace them often at work.

 

I've never seen a lifted or stock 3rd gen with a NON leaky rack lol. Boots are wet on literally every Tacoma I've looked at. Just the way of the road...mine have been wet for like 50k miles now.

 

Yeahhhh my buddies 16’ went at 55k miles. Luckily covered under the power train. He did lots of off roading as well, but normal wear and tear I’d say for an off road model with beefier tires. Not lifted, all stock Toyota designed ride height/suspension. If they are adjustable just throw them down a few ticks. I think the 5100s are ride height adjustable?

 

Any common post-replacement trouble points I should check out when I get my truck back from the dealer tomorrow after they replace my rack?

 

It isn't a criminal trial. If challenged, Toyota can get an "expert" (e.g. Toyota master tech or field engineer) to say something about the lift causing extra side loads on the rack seals and that'll be sufficient.

 

Aside from the obvious, is everything tight. No ps fluid leaking.

The biggest mistake or lazy thing mechanics do is NOT centering the rack before install. Most mechanics get it close and call it a day.

From center, you should have equal turns left and right at your steering wheel. From center turn all the way right, count that (likely 1 1/2 turns or 1 3/4 turns). Go back to center and turn all the way left. Should be perfectly equal amount of rotation.

 

Thanks for the solid info!

 

Notice have a 2022 as well, curious what mileage did yours go at?

 

30k, all stock. A super slow leak on mine, I was lucky I caught it.

 

On stock vehicles?

 

Yep.