Rack and Pinion rebuild by Solo Motorsports Documentation/Cost Breakdown

Documenting my process and price breakdown and review of Solo Motorsports, based out of SoCal, rebuild work (link: Toyota Rebuild-A-Rack Service - Solo Motorsports) once shipped back.

Tldr of their service and requirements
Will use Viton seals in the rebuild and improve line pressure. Starting price is $350 and will "rack" on if they deem additional service is needed (EG housing or shaft damage). They'll contact prior.

Shipment is not included in the base cost to and from.

Will need to remove inner and outer tie rods and boots.

They'll also ship back with new poly bushings (for additional) if you decide to purchase through them and they can install for a fee (reach out to them for pricing of install).

PROCESS:

1/14/2025
Picked up a used rack that fits my truck for $100. Owner confirmed it is leaking steering fluid at the seals and visually can see as well. The reason I did this instead of taking my original rack off is because I didn't want any downtime as this vehicle is my main daily driver. Owner was kind enough to work with me and provided their VIN, he had a different truck configuration from mine. I used the following website to confirm our trucks use the same OEM rack and pinion part number:

https://partsouq.com/

Stripping down the rack and pinion is pretty straight forward.

NOTE: I recommend giving the rack and pinion and nice clean before removing anything. Also, recommend getting a universal tie rod removal tool to make the removal easier:

$13 Performance Tool W83027 Universal 3/8" Low Profile Tool for Inner Tie Rod Removal and Installation

Amazon.com: Performance Tool W83027 Universal 3/8 Inch Low Profile Tool for Inner Tie Rod Removal and Installation : Automotive

Just take a hammer and bang at the tool to get the inner tie rod loose. Drove a long flat head through the rack and pinion bushing to act as a counter leverage. I recommend having the inner shaft as close to the rack housing to decrease any chance of damage.

PXL_20250114_235437460.jpg

R&P is stripped and cleaned (as the best I could) and ready for shipment

PXL_20250115_001003280.jpg

1/15/2025
To ship, I used the box the R&P came in from the previous owner. Went to a local UPS store and they've filled the empty cavity for no additional charge. I'm based in NorCal, ground shipping to Solo Motorsports is $30.98 total and that's declaring value of $100.

472984885_4083199495233534_505107879204651693_n.jpg

I've also went ahead and purchased new R&P Bellow for $29.52. You could save cost here but for me it's worth to replace with new since it's out.

Will be re-using inner/outer tie rod and the tie rod lock washer. I've already purchased new 555 inner/outer tie rods not too long ago to remedy vibration issues at the steering wheel (which I'm still feeling today but crossing my fingers maybe replacing the R&P bushings with new ones will be the solution as I've read it did for someone else).

1/24/2025
Service complete and was charged total of $402.18, that's after sales tax and shipping!

I've also picked up a set of whiteline steering rack polyurethane bushings to replace the ones in the R&P for a total of $65.37.

COST (SO FAR):
$100 Used Rack and Pinion
$30.98 Ground shipping
$29.52 R&P Bellow
$402.18 Service+shipping
$65.37 Whiteline polyurethane bushings

GT of $628.05

 

after you get the rebuilt rack in, of course, you'll need one of these magnafine PS fluid filters too...