Power steering rack is going out - anyone else replaced one yet?

About a year and half and 50,000 miles ago my power steering rack began to leak from damaged seals; from submersion in water and mud.

Lucas Oil's power steering leak stopper fluid worked its magic and I was doing alright for a while, albeit with some play in the steering wheel.

That play is getting worse and worse and I know I'm going to need to replace the rack. Anyone done it themselves on a 2nd gen yet? Any places you'd recommend buying a new/rebuilt rack?

 

I replaced mine by myself. Bought the steering rack from O'reilly Auto Parts. I believe it's called a Cardon rack (just a refurbished rack with new internals). It was a little bit of a pain in the ass but it is definitely doable by yourself. Some extra hands would have really speeded up the process for me. I think the parts cost was between three and four bills.

 

here's how mine is looking

 

I think Mike (Defined) was looking into making replacement bushings for 2nd Gens similar to the TC Bushings for 1st Gens, not sure what came of it.

And replacing the rack shouldn't be too difficult.

 

Yep, mine looks just like that.

 

How in the hell can someone drive a vehicle with a damaged steering component? It is kinda important.

 

I have a new rack sitting in the garage in a box, hoping to get it replaced over the upcoming holidays. I'd be interested in hearing a little more regarding the process of swapping in a new rack. The Toyota Service Manual instructs you to remove the exhaust, both the front and rear drive shafts, as well as the cross member support before the rack can be removed.

Just wondering if all this is absolutely necessary?

 

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