Power Steering Help/ Advise

Hey everyone. Sorry in advance for a long post but it is necessary. My 05 access cab is in for the frame replacement. Before they took the truck I replaced the front shocks, inner and outer tie rods, upper and lower control arms with ball joints and four new tires. Then had it aligned. It tracks straight but it doesn't want to return to center after I make a turn.

I noticed my steering would get very stiff and then return to normal if I flicked the wheel back and forth a little while driving. No whine from the power steering pump if I hold it lock to lock for a few seconds so I think the pump is fine. I did notice a little fluid in the rack when I changed out the inner tie rods but the level remains at the upper mark on the holding tank.

So, I know I need to replace both power steering hoses and possibly the rack and pinion too. The dealer wants an absurd amount to do this. I bought the Chilton book but it glossed over the power steering hose and rack section without much detail.

Can anyone direct me to all the parts I need to purchase for the pressure and return line hoses and fittings. I would like to have everything beforehand and then have the dealer install during the frame swap. I know there are fittings that may or may not come with aftermarket hoses and want to be prepared. The Chilton manual sucked and the guy at my local auto parts counter did not give me a warm feeling at all.

If I need to replace the rack and pinion as well, should I buy OE or can I get by with aftermarket? Any brands you recommend to get or stay away from? Thanks all. This forum has saved me a lot of headache over the years. 180000 miles on my truck and I want to go another 100k if possible.

 

That is the steering intermediate shaft # 2 that connects between the steering wheel and the steering rack input shaft. The little universal joint is worn out and binding up. You will need to buy the intermediate shaft assembly.

See this link: http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old...6toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/04500510.pdf

You should get this done asap as if the universal joint comes loose you will not be able to steer the truck.

 

^what he said

 

Thank you for your time and answer!

 

I am in the same boat as ljaybo. My power steering hoses are leaking and I can't tell which line it is. Talking to the dealer, the hoses come as assembly part numer 44410-04210 and cost about $300 for just the hoses! When looking the hoses up on autozone, oriely, or another auto parts store, the hoses are sold separately. Does anybody know just the pressure line and/or return line part number of the assembly? Has anybody ran into this same issue?

 

I remember seeing that intermediate shaft when I changed the upper arms. Rusty as can be. I see your point on the stiff steering.
Would old hoses cause the failure to return to center? My hoses dont leak but need to be replaced.