Need new steering rack

So the dealer told me 1800 for new rack/power steering flush/ alignment!! It made me sick. The rack isnt leeking YET but problems will start happening soon enough. Wheel shakes between 45-60mph then quits. Any alternatives tacomaworld can think of to make this fix affordable would be great. I PMed a guy on here with a rack for sale from O'Reillys but I will still need the dealer to install it. Like I said, its been like this for awhile but I cant drain my savings to fix it right now at that 1800.00 price tag. Any input would be great thank you

 

if it is not leaking what makes you think you need a new one?

 

they called me and said I need a new rack. "you need a new rack, its not leaking yet but problems will arise, everything else in the steering assembly is fine"

 

something does not sound quite right there. its not leaking but you need a new one. how does it drive?

 

Take it to and independent shop and get a second opinion.

 

im in the process of producing delrin replacement bushings for the steering rack . have a few sets being tested and will be going into production soon. i can cut sets on the lathe if your interested and need it done soon. otherwise look out for the thread in weeks to come.

 

it drives fine just has bad steering wheel shake between 45-60 mph. I know the problem is in the steering. I also just had the tie-rods checked not to long ago. Im going to take it to the independent shop and get the second opinion like suggested.
Plus it will clunk here and there when I turn or go over uneven ground or hit bumps.

 

Im just taking what the dealer says because thats their job. I wish they said its just bushings but I still wouldnt know how to put them in. Crappy spot to be in. Thank you tho for the idea and hopefully your product takes off. Good luck

 

the shake sounds like a tire out of balance or round

 

they just rotated the tires today during the looking for the problem process. Im headed up there right now to ask more questions

 

Sounds like you just need the bushings replaced. Start the truck and have someone move the steering wheel back and forth while you look at the rack if you are getting movement in the rack compared to the frame you need the bushings replaced. By movement I mean anything more than say 1/32 inch or so not 1/4 inch. Also check the tie rod end links for unusual movement.

 

They were closed hahahaha I will pick it up tomorrow and do what you suggest TMW

 

rebuilt seal kit is $30 and new inner tie rods another $50 per side then throw in the cost of bushings at ??? so for less then about $300 you can DIY it unless it's fubar in which case the dealer wouldn't have a clue anyway.

Jack up the truck and put it on jackstands.

Start the truck.

Have someone go into the truck while your on the outside and have them turn the steering wheel.

Let us know if the whole rack is moving (bushings bad).

Or if it has play. If it has play make sure it's not the outer tie rods. If it's not them then it's most likely the inner tie rods. Outter tie rods are SIMPLE to change out and should only cost you about $50 total and take less then a hr for a novice to change out.

 

Some other things are make sure your fluid level is OK and full. Go to a parking lot and drive the car turning left and right going thru the full motions kind of slow then faster to get a good feedback feeling and feel for anything binding. Any binding would indicate a bad rack.

 

thanks for the input. I will do everything that is suggested. They still want me to pay a 140.00 bill for rotating tires/finding what they call the problem/and tax. Im not sure I will ever go back but I needed the spiral cable recall done and just made a sparatic statement to see why the wheel is shaking AHhhhhhhh stealerships

sometimes I just put to much trust in people to tell me what I need to fix the problem (dealership)

 

I would not pay it unless they tell you exactly whats wrong with the rack. Simply sayi8ng you need a new rack is most likely BS and if I was to pay a diagnostic fee I sure as hell want to know what the diagnosis is.

Also if the rack was bad I would make you sign a waver if you took your truck off the lot. Them letting you simply walk out without having it fixed is a issue IMO.

 

x2