Steering shaft to rack coupler

I started pulling my rack & pinion out tonight, and couldn't remove the pinch clamp/coupler that locks the steering shaft to the pinion splines. Anyone have any advice? I did remove the bolt fully. I saturated it with blaster, wacked on it with a punch/prybar, and it moved about a .25", then stuck. This is a FL truck, so nothing on it is especially rusted or anything.

 

I believe you need to remove the other bolt further up so the shaft can slide up.

 

Heat it up good (MAP Gas) and get a screwdriver in between the pinch. I clamped a pair of vice grips on the screwdriver for some leverage. Also, AFT and acetone as a mix is a good penetrating solution.

 

Other bolt? Wtf. I'll kick myself in the ass if there's another bolt.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-lower-steering-shaft-rebuild-diy.543377/

 

I took the bolt out at the lower pinch clamp. I'm not seeing what other bolt you're talking about.

 

I was just linking the diagram.

 

Oh ok, I appreciate it. I did remove the bolt in the pinch clamp all the way. I'm gonna try some heat tomorrow.

 

You need to loosen the top so everything has somewhere to move.

 

This!
I'd add that the the 2 main rack bolts 92 (938, 68) should be removed as well, if you haven't already. if you're going to take short cuts like I did, you'll need to cut them as they are too long to remove from the top. Buy the Toyota replacement bolts and replace them through the bottom of the rack adding lock tight...This can be a tough removal as the rack needs to be just right to wiggle it out. Take your time...here are some good reference threads.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-v6-tacoma-steering-rack-bushing-replacement.289436/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-change-the-rack-and-pinion-steering-2nd-gen-v6.293781/
Keep us posted!

 

Curious.
I'm hearing a lot of complaints on the steering shaft couplers going bad on Toyotas cars and vans. Toyota wont do a recall and sluffed it off when I took my Sienna in for the popping sound we sometimes get turning the wheels. Just like with my front struts leaking it wasn't a problem until the warranty expired and then they wanted to replace it. I love Toyota products but their service sucks.
While you have it tore down you may want to take a closer look at that as well.

 

Make sense to do IMHO. The non-greasable part is a wear item, do it while it's out, you'll never regret it.
Almost a non-negotiable if you live in the rust belt.

 

Here is the TSB with the updated part number for the intermediate shaft should you feel the need to replace it while you have the rack out.

 

I just replaced my steering rack and intermediate steering shaft. All I’m going to say is a good air hammer is a life saver.

You’ll need to loosen the rack from the sub frame so it can be pulled/rotated away from the cab (remove the passenger side bolt and at least loosen the driver’s side bolt), remove the bolt holding the shaft to the rack and at least the lower of the two upper slip yoke bolts. Then take your air hammer and push the steering shaft off the rack (towards the cab).

If your truck is older or has spent time in the “rust belt” it’ll take a decent amount of force to get the rack out of the shaft. Same goes for removing the intermediate steering shaft (pushing it away from the cab after it’s been removed from the rack).

 

I've done the "VGRS" recall on the Lexus LX470. They tell you not to hammer the steering shaft. Yeah, right. That's the first tool I would grab. Those shafts would never come apart without a hammer!

 

Haha, yep. I knew I was relaxing mine anyway so I didn’t care at all.