Rack and Pinion

Got my truck aligned today, they pointed out my bushings are bad on the rack and pinion so gotta change those (leaking oil I noticed before when I changed the tie rod boots).

So just gonna change the whole rack and pinion since I have to take it all apart anway also. Any recommendations on brands? Heard A1 cardone is good. Rebuilt vs new?
- I remember this being an interesting issue with the CV axles, was able to resuse my stockers and just have the boots replaced, regreased/inspected. Instead of using the cheap chinese replacements.

It's a bummer too cuz I changed the inner and outer tie rods less than a year ago with Moog. Although noticed the outer tie rods were already rusting. Better brand for the outer rods?

Never done it before so any tips as far as bleeding and all that, once installing it?

Thanks in advance sorry for all the questions

 

What is it that is leaking? Bushings don't leak.

The bushing the alignment shop was probably referring to on the steering rack are the rack's mounting bushings. They do not leak but they do wear out and allow the rack to move laterally with steering input. Not good for several reasons, good alignment (toe) being one of them. This does not indicate the rack itself is bad, just replace the bushing with a good poly bushing replacement kit. If you must replace the entire steering rack, go with a new OEM rack. There are rebuilt OEMs available and would definitely be a better choice over "new" cheap chinese replacements, but have still had some issues.

 

Why replace something that is not broken?

 

Those are like the two worst brands (rebranded cheap crap) when it comes to our tacos. This includes the steering rack. Have to rebuild yours or buy OEM... Or buy cheap one with lifetime warranty and get good at replacing them every year or two. Lol

 

When I replaced the boots a few months ago, while changing the inner tie rods, I noticed quite a bit of oil inside of the boots. It's oil coming out from the seal where the inner tie rod is I believe. Not a LOT but still enough to warrant some concern. Isn't that a sign that the rack and pinion is going out?

Don't I have to take out the whole rack and pinion in order to change the bushings? Saw some videos where they have to hammer out the old bushings on a bench.

Is the guy at the aligment shop right, that I have to replace the outer tie rods again since the bushings have been out and most likely destroyed the tie rods with all the movement (inner and outer)?

I just figured since I'm in there, might as well change the rack and pinion too if it's a susceptible part, lot of miles on my truck, and trying to restore it part by part...

Thanks for the help

 

Subbing and lurking. My passenger side boot has a leak/seep going on...

 

If i were to replace one I would get one from here http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toyota-tacoma-power-steering-rack.html. I’ve heard good things about their racks.

 

I just replaced my bushings this week, I didn't take it off or disconnect anything. Just took the bolts out of the bushings, slid the rack out a little and heated the bushings till they slid out pretty easily with a hammer blow and replaced. I don't know about the tie rod ends being worn out, but I just thought I'd say it can be done still on the truck.