Steering rack Leak - possible source

[vivioman Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vivioman]

Just wanted to share this link to a discussion on a leak in the steering rack contol valve which I am very sure that is the same problem I'm having (oil seal).

http://www.tlocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6337

However when I did a check in Toyodiy.com, it turns out that the part number is different from that posted in the discussion....so I'm stumped...

In the end I asked for a quotation on the gasket kit to rebuild the steering rack control valve and it turns out I get quotes ranging from $102 to $129...parts have to be ordered ex-Japan and take 4 to 5 weeks to arrive.

I'm just wondering whether anyone else had replaced the seal in question and if there are any aftermarket oil seal options I could try.

Thank you

[Seththecursed Member Find all posts View Profile Close Seththecursed]

Re: Steering rack Leak - possible source

As general rule (As far as I am aware) workshops don't repair p/s racks anymore they just replace them with exchange racks as it is cheaper for the customer (Labor to repair rack cost more then an exchange one). Labor cost these days are a killer. :shock:

[Derb Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Derb]

Re: Steering rack Leak - possible source

Hi Fellas. At around 200,000 km the rack end bushes and all other components will have had a hiding anyway. I ended up with an exchange rack as my suspension man wouldn't even touch racks anymore as he couldn't compete with shops which did nothing else. I am a mechanic and don't have the necessary tools and my suspension guy didn't also. I have no regrets as I ended up with an as-new box with a new-part warranty. Drives great. Good time to do the inner rack ends at the same time. Cheers.

[vivioman Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vivioman]

Re: Steering rack Leak - possible source

Thanks for the reply guys, I eventually bought a brand new steering rack to replace the old leaky rack. I already had new nolathane bushes for the steering so basically all new rack and bushes make the Prado steer like a new car! :P