Steering rack needs to be replaced after 50K miles - 2019 Tacoma

Wow.

 

Sounds like Franklinsdad (OP of this thread) lives in a state with mandatory vehicle inspections, else he probably wouldn’t have had to replace his steering rack due to oil moistened boot interiors. I’m in a state that doesn’t, and won’t be replacing mine with the same issue of some oil seeped into the boots because the reservoir level hasn’t changed, the seepage is/was contained inside the boots, and because we don’t have to.

 

On my 2015 DCLB 4x4 I had it in for service, and installing my lift, and swapping out the front diff needle bearing for an ECGS, all at my experienced go to shop.

They noted minor leaking in the steering rack. I was suprised. on the one hand, they daid I could watch it. On the other hand, the front suspension was already completely torn apart so most of the labor related to the rack was already being spent. I asked about remans and a core swap, they said they never last and hardly anyone supplies them. Recommended OEM all day. They did do much business with the local dealer they worked on price and came out at $1200 for a new OEM rack.

I went for it given the circumstances. I had some E rated Coopers on it for quite a while, plus the shit turning radius, I figured those were factors.

Now I avoid 3 point a sharp U turns like the plague.

Just thought you might find this experience illuminating.

 

I like you approach, but there is the pushy side. Not you, but others. We had our old car in for a quick brake and wheel bearing check. The shop went full anal and recommended over $4k in work. Some of it we elected to do since the car was $1,500mi away. They still send reminders about the rest to my wife.

A balance is always tough to strike. It chaps me more because I could do it all if it was at home.

 

A little brake cleaner goes a long way.

 

I'm not in the receiving side of this stuff so its easy for me to forget what its like for the average customer..

A lot of shops are shady but a lot of them are not, it can be hard to find a trustworthy place

Best advice I can give is to avoid any kind of special or coupon haha. Seriously, run the fuck away..

My oil changes are around $140-150 including tax. That may sound like a lot but i also won't push ridiculously unneeded crap.. I don't have to because i'm not tripping out over the time I'm spending on your little oil change. I'm relaxed, I don't need to rush. Also helps that

we charge for diagnostics, we wont scan codes for free, etc. Its not healthy for the shop to give time away. It creates a situation where the shop has to go after it harder.. to make up the time they give away. Its a tough balance and it takes years to get it right

 

You put that inside your boots?

 

I think it is relatively rare, but not unusual. My 2008 RAV-4 lost its steering rack right after its warranty ran out.

 

No. But, spraying down the outside could stop the questions.

 

Keep bringing up and pointing out the issues you see. I hate leaks and when I see one, I clean the area with MAF sensor cleaner, re-torque whatever fasteners are involved to just a hair under spec, and then watch it like a hawk. This usually cures it. If it comes right back and quickly progresses to what it was before, (area wise) the offending gasket gets replaced. If it takes several thousand miles to match what it was before cleaning I leave it alone and watch it until it does.

That said, My 2014 currently with 140,000 on it has had no oil leaks. Mobil1 5w30 full-synthetic or equivalent. (Non high-mileage flavor/formula) Once in a while I use Castrol or Valvoline.

 

The timing cover oil leak is kinda blown out of proportion on this site. Yes its expensive to fix but people don't understand how common timing cover leaks are - across all manufacturers.. not just toyota. Subaru is terrible, vw/audi is terrible. Honda are always seeping when they come in..

For the most part toyota has some of the best gasket/sealing systems on the road. The 4.0 is not a leaker, the 4 cylinders aren't either..

 

So would painting them fluorescent yellow with latex paint! Well… maybe just to another subject…

 

Pink will keep them from getting stolen.

 

Not around here…