New steering rack or replace seals?

I have a 99 4x4 with around 120k miles.
I noticed I have a slow leak in the steering rack on the passenger side. Other than the leak, and the old style guide, the rack looks good. No rust or other leaks.

From what I've read, the hard part of replacing seals on these racks is the control valve housing. Since my leak is in the rack housing can I just pull the rack and get access to those seals without removing the control valve? I'd replace the guide with the new style also.

I'd rather not buy a new rack if I can replace the seals relatively easily, but if that's not a option where's a good place to get a reman rack these days? I've seen mixed reviews on everything except OEM racks, but $600...

Thanks

 

I have the exact same truck and year, with a similar leak. While not an answer to your posted question, I will suggest Lucas Stop Leak. Its been a few months now and no more leaks on my driveway. First time I did it, the leak got really slow. A few months later I used a second bottle mixed with ATF and now zero leaks. If the leak starts up again I'm replacing, but so far so good.

 

I have been relatively happy with my ACDelco remanufacturerd unit I bought locally from a parts supplier who generally supplies mechanic shops, but also sells to the public. This was for ease of core, competitive price to rock auto, and the warranty. I have considered rebuilding mine in the past, for the cost, ease of mind, and to avoid down time it was not worth it (to me). I do also have a spare (bad unit) I plan to have rebuilt at a local rack and pinion shop which you could certainly also see if there is anything local to you for repairs.

 

Certainly not relatively easy:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rack-pinion-service-tools-tips.312600/

And I too read a lot of mixed reviews. I did however read good things about Detroit axle racks. But are a bit more pricey. I went with a remand Napa rack recently due to being locally stocked, as well as a lifetime warranty. We shall see how she holds up I guess. I got some binding going on but I believe thats due to needing poly bushings. Had them on my old one but didnt transfer them over as they looked worn. Procrastinating installing my new ones. Hoping that's it tho.

 

My Detroit Axle rack was around $250 from Amazon. Looks just like the one I took off except spotless. Came with inner and outer TRE.

 

When I was looking they were like double that price now.

Edit. Nvm. Wtf. Now they're back to normal price. Hm.

 

Thanks for comments. After looking at the rebuild writeup again I see it clearly says you have to remove the control valve housing before working on the shaft seals. I think I'll pass on that, mainly because of trying to find/build the special tool to remove the control valve.

I'm probably going to go with detroit axle or napa when the time comes, ie the leak gets worse.

 

Read it again. To get to the "rack end seals" the control valve need only be removed, not taken apart. All of 2 bolts and the 2 hard lines.

FWIW the "Detroit Axle" rack is the same Chinese knock off sold/imported by several outfits and priced from $220-$500. All aftermarket "new" racks are this same knock off in different boxes. They have a fairly questionable track record for quality and quality control. Some work fine, others fail in several ways, sometimes catastrophically. There is a reason they are so cheap compared to a rebuild. IMO a rebuild is a better bet, yet still a crap shoot.

 

Ah, you're right. I think I just kept getting drawn in by all that brass cutting and drilling.

 

No prob.
While you are in limbo, check the condition of the pass side rack shaft. Turn the steering all the way the the left and pull the boot off the rack. Inspect the shaft for rust pits, scratches or any other damage. Then you will know if the thing is even worth the time.

 

Luckily the steering shaft on both sides looks really good. No rust, dings, scratches, anything. At least from what is visible both turning the steering all the in each direction. I'm going to start with the rack guide and if/when then leak gets worse I'll try replacing the seals. I guess even if it doesn't work and I have to get a rack after blowing the cash on the rack guide and seal kit, it it's still way cheaper than paying someone else to mess with it.

 

If you decide to buy a replacement rack and want to do the work yourself, here's a video you can use for the swap. The video was done on a 3rd Gen 4Runner but 3rd Gen 4runners and 1st Gen Tacomas are Kissing Cousins.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZoRP5ogrK0

 

my rack and pinion is also going out soon.

are all "remanufactured" racks Rubbish? is there a good brand that can compare to OEM?

i thought napa used the OEM core and just rebuilt to oem specs and that what the "remanufactured" ones were.

anyone come across a good reack and pinion setup that will last like OEM?

 

I've had the Detroit axle rack for about 9 months now, not a problem yet. I think they even said they'll do lifetime warranty if you return your old rack for a core.

 

Just a heads to everyone, I've got an extra rack in my garage and happy to get rid of it cheap to rebuild. Not sure how much to ship from Ohio but could prob rebuild for cheap without having to leave truck out of action. I'm going to check to make sure I got all parts.

 

You can rebuild yours for about $100,NAPA has new for $250.