Rack and Pinion & Other Tasks?

I am planning and buying parts for a rack and pinion replacement on my 2002 4x4 Taco. I am replacing the assembly, outer tie rods, and sway bar bushings. I was thinking I would clean the PS pump and do a flush of the system as well.

Does anyone have any recommendations of other items I may want to replace / check while I have the assembly removed from the truck?

 

Got aftermarket rack bushings on your list?

 

I just started having trouble with my steering on my 1997 Tacoma 2wd . Squeaks when I turn the
steering wheel and won't return to center.

 

No, they are a pain to press in, and I am not a fan of polys.

 

I agree in most situations, but it's a good fit here, and they just pop in. Nothing wrong with new OE ones though.

 

Decided to go that way after all. I was looking at sets from Whiteline, Total Chaos, and LC Engineering. They look completely identical to me except that Total Chaos' set is in red. I assume you have replaced these bushings before, what brand (rebrand) did you go with, and any particular reason other than cost or availability?

 

Recently replaced my rack. Swapped out the garbage bushings that came with the reman rack (used ES). Replaced that rubber rag joint/intermediate shaft - the piece that connects the rack to the steering column. Replaced both return and pressure lines too. The inners that came on the reman rack also were crap so I put 555s inner and outers.

 

Idk if it’s too late, but even with an oem replacement rack the bushings should be replaced - I was really disappointed seeing how much flex there was after only 3-4 years on my wife’s 4runner that isn’t on big tires or off-roaded.

Toyota Time with Timmy has a good video on cleaning the power steering reservoir screen and rebuilding your return line with bulk power steering line is a good and easy thing to do when the system is empty. I got a leak that looked like the cv / diff seal on the drivers side because it leaked on the cv and slung fluid everywhere.

 

The power steering reservoir cleanout is not too difficult. The airbox does not need to come out for it. A messy job though

 

I actually haven't replaced mine yet, but I used to autocross a lot and have replaced them on a ton of cars while swapping bars. I usually go with the softer ones if possible for the street, but on these, I wouldn't expect to notice much difference (if any) between the brands. I like whatever doesn't squeak.