Steering Rack(S)

Is there a reason not to go with the remanufactured one? VS not?

https://autoparts.stevinsontoyotawe...t/reman-gear-assy-power-steering-442500403084

https://autoparts.stevinsontoyotawest.com/products/product/gear-assy-power-ste-4425004030

Also, I was going to get tie rods ends. Anything I should get while I am going to do this?

When I had the frame replaced about 3 years ago the steering rack was replace and I used some aftermarket Toyota sold at the time. Well is didnt last and I dont want to go through that again.


Dealership wants $760 to install. 4.2 hrs labor at $169 Plus $130 for alignment. Serviceman said you can’t really drive it anywhere after the rack gets replaced that it’s to much out of alignment. How true is that?
I was going to go to Firestone and get their life time warranty. He seemed to think they do not good a good job.
I have used them in the past and that if felt like a great alignment.
I not sure what to do.
Damn.

Thanks

 

This is the steering rack I went with when replacing the one on my 2005. I has been working good for the last 6k miles for what it's worth. I ordered it through McGeorge back in December for $149 and a $250 core charge, That deal seems to have passed McGeorge now says the part number is no longer available

part number 44250-04030-84

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~reman-gear-assy-pow~44250-04030-84.html

I did the work myself, it wasn't a pleasant job especially without a lift but glad I saved myself the labor cost.
I also added a WIX Filters - 58953 Automatic Transmission Filter to the return line of the power steering reservoir, and replaced the high and low pressure lines with ones from rock auto, also replaced the outer tie rods with MOOG ones. The reman steering rack came with new inner tie rods already. I did have to get the truck aligned asap after the job the alignment was way off and would've likely chewed up tires, my local pep boys did the alignment and did a great job. Also my truck already had the steering rack bolts flipped from the frame replacement so I did not have to deal with that part of the job. The new lines were necessary for me because if the rust on the old lines and fittings. Hope this helps or provides some insight.

 

Thanks. Sounds like more work then I want to take on.
I found out today that the steering rack is still under warranty from when they replaced the frame almost 3 years ago.
I have an appointment next week to see what exactly is going on.
Thanks the message. I think it’s a bit more than I want to take on.

 

I did PS pump, rack, and lines all at the same time, and like @JRCR I also added an inline filter before the return tank. Your dealership may or may not want to do it for you, but it's dead nuts simple - you can do it in about 5 minutes in the driveway, just clamp the line on either end of the cut, make the cut, stick in the filter and clamps, and wipe up the little bit that might spill.

It's old school but IMO worth it, especially on a reman rack, never know what kind of swarf or junk might end up inside or what hard edges on the (usually aftermarket) internals that might have been replaced might cut loose after a little driving.

 

I put an A1Cardone rack in mine back in Feb 2019. 27k mikes since then and it’s still fine. It seems a little touchier than the original rack, unless it’s my alignment making it feel that way.

Also replaced the line set with RockAuto, mine was rusted and seized to the old rack. At the same time I upgraded to poly bushings, used a bicycle tube over the intermediate steering shaft filled with grease.

So far so good. Also, I took careful measurements off the wheels before I started and measured out the same when I put the tie rod ends back on. It was fine until I got it aligned.