Leaking steering rack

I know there's been talk about steering rack issues as well as leaking ones but i can't seem to find any regarding where mine is leaking. I'm not having any noticeable slop issues that i can tell nor any issues on the freeway steering. In fact it holds a relatively straight line when i let go of the wheel. Just within the last couple years ive noticed it dripping. I know thats not the best to let it go that long but with the other repairs ive had to do and problem solve that has been the least of my worry.
Here is a picture of where it is leaking. I'm hoping that this is a simpler repair versus replacing the whole steering rack.

 

Might be in the market for one of these. Not sure there are rebuild kits for these things...

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toyo...t-by-low-range-off-road-tac-sp-1gen-urpk.html

You can get just the rack for like $420, but for and extra few bucks you get poly bushings and outer tie rods, too. All oem manufacturing.

 

Thanks for the link. That kit looks nice. I'll have to find out what the shop quoted. I've read some people rebuild them but most having to replace. Most of these people seemed to be having problems lower in the assembly. I was hoping that it may just be a worn fitting in the top that could be replaced, and easier accessible seal or bushing in the top. I can hope can't I

 

Sub'd for the same problem

 

Bummer to hear, but glad I'm not alone in this endeavour

 

Same exact problem, Rack looks identical

 

Well, first step would be cleaning all that gunk off and seeing where it is leaking from. You say it's been like that for a couple years? Do you have any steering fluid left?

A friend YEARS ago had an oil leak in his car that eventually "fixed itself" (because he ran out of oil, lol).

I honestly don't have experience rebuilding these things, but you could possibly take it to a shop (once you've cleaned it and determined where it's leaking from) or just search for rack rebuilding tips/parts.

Give the age of the truck (16 years), you might just be due for a full overhaul of your steering anyway, with ball joints, tie rod ends, and the rack. I know my steering is in need of some TLC after 130,000ish miles. TRE's, BJ's and a rack will make it like NEW again. Might be worth the $500...

 

Sorry, but I don't think there is a easy fix. The leak seems to be from the top seal which is not accessible from the outside. In short, you would have to take the rack out, unbolt the valve assembly from the rack and then disassemble the the valve assembly from the bottom (from the side where it goes into rack). Then you can replace leaking seals probably. FSM mention using two different SST: one for removing the bearing guide nut (to open the bottom of the valve assembly), another one for pressing out the top oil seal and bearing from the control valve housing (the leaking one). Probably still doable but make sure you have new parts for control valve guts.

Here are procedures from FSM. Good luck.

 

Sure, I'll answer your question and then some. Been a while since I did a rack sermon.

If the leak is from the "upper control valve" seal and not from a line, you are dealing with the single most difficult seal to replace in the entire rack. Individual seals and seal kits are available.

The job (just the one seal) requires one special tool to be acquired or home fabbed, the other is made from trash around the house.
A press is nearly a required piece of equipment, as is a fair bit of working knowledge, skill, cleanliness and experience with this sort of thing. That being said, in the grand scheme of things, the racks are pretty simple. A complete re-seal takes me about an hour.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rack-pinion-service-tools-tips.312600/

Other random stuff.

What ever you do, don't get a rack with the "old style" guide. Described in the above link. Verify this with the source, and be certain they understand.

A nice clean, tight and dry rack from a salvage yard is one way to go.

All rebuilt racks are hit and miss in the longevity department. "Joe" will say "my RackMaster has been great" while Bill will say "Mine started to leak at week three" or worse. The builders are playing a percentage game where profit is the high card. Cost for a rebuilt rack with a trade in core should be around $250. Low Range is about the highest $$$ for the same questionable stuff you will find from other vendors. None of them use OE parts. A zip tie as a boot clamp should be a hint.
Should a rebuilt unit be the choice, get one from a local parts house. No shipping and easy return/exchange should there be a problem. Be aware the parts houses frequently switch suppliers.

There is a company in China making entirely "new" replacement racks. They are imported and sold under various brand names. All aftermarket racks sold as "new" are these same knock offs. They have a pretty bad history with what appears to be mostly quality control. Add to that, minor materials issues like a tie rod breaking clean in half. They are usually priced about the same as a rebuild. I have seen them as low as $220, that should say something.

Last time I checked a new rack from Toyota was a bit over $500 from the online discount Dealers. If funds allow and "once and done" is high on the list, this is the way to go.

Decisions, decisions.

 

@Dirty Pool - Sir, this is the best ever write-up I've seen on this. I am officially impressed. Unfortunately I can't like it more than once

 

Mine has a small leak I'm going to attempt to fix..... at least I hope I can fix...

 

This would be what you are looking at when unscrewed. Flared end of the line and a matching shaped brass(ish) removable seat. The seat is loose, not pressed in. Make sure the hard line goes in exactly straight, they can get tweeked. Loosen/remove the corresponding fitting on the rack body and check that both ends go in straight before tightening. Bend the line as required. Also check the seat and flare for nicks/damage.



The seats in the rack body are different, still loose. Seen at right.

 

Where can you find the replacement brass seats?

 

It still has fluid in it I keep it topped off and have been adding leak deterent regularly with regular steering fluid.

Thats kinda what i feared that it was a tough one to repair. I am greatly lacking mechanical skills as far as that is concerned. lol

This is extremely helpful Dirty Pool! Looking at how the write up is it seems this may be far from my skill level as far as repairs. I'm not sure which brand the repair shop quoted as far as steering racks. I know the overall quote was nearly $600. I will have to check that they quoted a newer style rack for sure.