Steering Rack - 3rd Gen

[beinnliath]

I bought a 3rd gen (N) reg off the forum just over a year ago and it has been running great. Just had a service done on it today and lower ball joints replaced (advisory on MOT) and mechanic has told me the steering rack is knackered because the fluid is leaking from the nearside. Have not noticed any difference with the steering prior to it going into garage.

Any ideas on whether he is right that I need to replace the steering rack (I see that Roughtrax do a reconditioned one) or is there any other way to fix this. If I do need a replacement steering rack, is anybody breaking a 3rd gen that has a good steering rack on it.

[stormforce]

Speak to TonyN as he has a 3rd gen i believe breaking in the parts for sale section

[andy_enuff]

We got one from a breaker off a land cruiser colorado. Much easier to find than a gen 3 one... it cost about 120 quid, including the delivery.... Have a google...

[beinnliath]

Thanks. My only concern about using a second hand rack is that it is going to cost £220 for the mechanic to fit the rack and am worried that if I get a second hand one we may have the same problem again in the future. Milner's do a new rack for £308 incl. VAT & Postage. Roughtrax do a reconditioned but this costs more than Milner's brand new one and Milner's say they don't recondition them. Thinking that Milner's is going to be the best way to go due to the fitting costs. Any comments on this welcome.

[andy_enuff]

Depending on your skill level/motivation/flexibility the rack isn't that hard to fit.. I guess it also depends on if the Surf is your only car. I guess £200 is about right for a professional mechanic to fit it... I'm just lucky I guess as there are four of us here that don't mind getting under the motor

[trev1968]

fit the rack ya self its not hard to do took me 1hr30 from start to finish then take to get tracking done. £200 bit steep for 2hrs work max in a garage.

Trev.

[BUSHWHACKER]

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157903
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...-pictures.html

[beinnliath]

Thanks for that Bushwhacker, unfortunately our steering rack was leaking very badly. We ended up getting the new part from Milner's and had to get mechanic to fit as we needed it done urgently. I use to tow a horse trailer with and can't afford to have anything at all wrong with the steering. Although my hubby used to work on cars regularly his working hours now make that rather difficult. Thanks for the help everyone.

[marcdtr]

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157903
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...-pictures.html

nice info