Help! Leaking Rack & Pinion

[mpac]

Hello everyone. This is my first post. I have a 2000 4 runner that developed a leak from the rubber boot on the left side of my rack and pinon. I've been told it needs replacing. 3 questions:

1. Do I need to replace the entire rack or could the leak be coming from something inside the boot that is replaceable?
2. If so, do I go refurbished or OEM?
3. What is the cost of OEM vs. Refurb plus install?

I have 145,000 miles on the truck and it doesn't see the dirt too often anymore.

thanks in advance!

[YotaFun]

Welcome to UltimateYota.

If there is a leak present, its not just the boot.
The boot was just designed to keep dust of the inner tie rod so it doesn't get into the fluid and mess things up.
So I would go about possibly replacing the rack, though I could be wrong on this and it could be an easier repair.
I had a leak in my steering rack 25K less then where you are at now and decided just to replace.
I would go OEM, cost might be a little more but at least you know it is well built and to spec, you don't want to skimp on important parts to a vehicle.

Cost always varies with location, I can't really give you a solid answer on that one.

Hope that helps a little.

Avy

[20005spd]

you need to replace the entire rack. aftermarket racks will work, but OEM would be better. i would say the aftermarket rack would probably run half of the cost of an OEM rack.

[4x4mike]

Why aren't the racks rebuildable? I figure it's a seal on one of the ends.

[20005spd]

im sure they are rebuildable. but it dosent sound like MPAC is ready to tackle that job. and paying someone to do it would probably be a waste of money. there could be worn parts causing the leak and not just a seal.

i noticed on these racks the driver side part that actually comes in and out of the rack as your turn, gets loose after a while(up and down play). maybe cuz i wheel hard but ive had a ton of racks in my truck already and they always have play on the driver side.

[YotaFun]

I am on my second rack and I think its already time for a third.
I am going to flush the system just to make sure.

Mine started to leak right where the steering column goes into the top of the rack, I don't know how but the shield got dented and started to leak, and it was interesting cause it would never run low on fluid but it was definitely a significant leak.
My power steering pump went so I am thinking water was exchanged in place of the fluid lol!

Sorry for the mini off-topic.

[CJM]

^ sorry to hijack the thread-but a 3rd rack..geez..

[mpac]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like I will replace the entire rack with OEM.
Appreciate all the help.

[4x4mike]

What's OEM cost? If you don't mind me asking?

[MTL_4runner]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like I will replace the entire rack with OEM.
Appreciate all the help.


Don't discount the fact that there are some good rebuilt racks out there too.

Here's a good thread on the subject:
http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=2491.0