This video will show you how I replaced a leaking rack and pinion assembly on a 2006 Toyota Avalon. Lexus and Toyota vehicles generally have the same layout design with differences in the location of the power steering fluid supply and return connection points on the assembly. Aside from that, the assembly’s two mounting points are on the sub frame.
The customer noticed a constant fluid drop in his power steering reservoir along with noise emanating from his power steering pump when the fluid level dropped too low. The inner tie rod seals from both the left and right side of the rack were leaking into the accordion tie rod dust boots. Power steering fluid leakage was verified by removing the boot’s outer compression clamps followed by squeezing the boots (as shown in the video). After months of replenishing the reservoir with power steering fluid containing a stop leak additive did not help stop the leakage.
A re-manufactured replacement rack and pinion assembly was purchased in lieu of replacing worn, leaking seals. The time and effort to replace the seals along with new boots and inner tie rods didn’t seem worth it. The cost of the re-manufactured unit can vary between $250 to $600. The labor time can vary based on your tools and skill level.
After installation of a new assembly, a front end toe wheel alignment is required.
If you’d like to make a donation to the channel, please follow the link below: https://paypal.me/HardlyMoving?locale.x=en_US
Parts & Specialty Tools:
GEARWRENCH 3 Pc. Double-X Hose Grip Plier Set – 82107
https://amzn.to/3gYhVDM
Car Hose Removal Plier Tool – Angled Auto Fuel and Vacuum Line Tube Hose Remover – Separator Pliers Pipe Repairing Tool
https://amzn.to/3dBV1jw
Dynamic 3/8″ Drive 10 Piece Metric, Flare Nut Socket Set, 10mm -19mm
https://amzn.to/3dF25fA
MOUNTAIN 5 PC Metric Flexible Reversible RATCHETING Wrench
https://amzn.to/2UcCLG0
REBUILT RACK AND PINION UNITS:
Cardone 26-1690 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
LEXUS ES300 1997-1998
TOYOTA AVALON 1997-1999
TOYOTA CAMRY 1992-1999
https://amzn.to/374lELS
Cardone 26-2606 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
LEXUS ES300 2002-2003
LEXUS ES330 2004-2006
TOYOTA CAMRY 2002-2006
TOYOTA SOLARA 2004-2008
https://amzn.to/3gXeYn2
Cardone 26-1617 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
LEXUS ES300 1999-2001
TOYOTA AVALON 2000-2004
TOYOTA CAMRY 2000-2001
https://amzn.to/309vRVN
Cardone 26-2632 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
TOYOTA AVALON 2005-2012
https://amzn.to/3eTfS2g
Cardone 26-2630 Remanufactured Import Power Rack and Pinion Unit
LEXUS ES350 2007-2012
TOYOTA CAMRY 2007-2011
https://amzn.to/378WU4X
#toyotarackandpinion #rackandpinion #powersteeringleak
){kind=link}
Hi, I uploaded a video on my channel to get help from the community on what's wrong with my 2008 LEXUS ES 350.
The steering wheel,does a strange whining noise when I start it up in the morning or after I let it sit for more than an hour or so.
Could you please check the video, it's only 25 seconds.
I hope I don't have to change the rack and pinion and just the steering wheel fluid as one viewer stated on the comments section.
How much should I pay for fluid change at an independent mechanic
Thanks
Thank you so much for this video!
Those control arm bushings! Yikes!
What brand did you replace? Thanks
I need expert opinion.. If my steering wheel gets stucked when turning to the left but aligns property when turning to the right – is that a rack and pinion issue? Btw, great video.. very helpful. Thank you!
My 2006 Avalon got some issue with steering wheel and I took it to a car mechanic. He told me my steering wheel grar box need to be replaced if I want perfect steering wheel and he also said it's not that bad I can keep it that way no issues because he said it would be $1050 including parts and labour. Is it the same thing that you did? I don't think I can do it by myself because it looks complicated for me. I had changed fuel filter and spark plugs by myself by watching YouTube videos but anything under keen the hood looks complicated
Anything special about the oring at 13:55 or does a harbor freight oring kit have ones that will work? I guess it is a standard sized o ring?! Thanks
Hi Guys, need some help from all of you.
I had replaced my Steering rack recently. Steps taken before installing it :
1) Removed the dust cover of the Rack shaft and centered the rack by turning the shaft to extreme left till lock and counting the number of turns to extreme right which was around 2.85. Hence turned back halfway approximately till about 1.42 and fixed the rack in that position into the subframe.
2)Before connecting the tie rods to the wheel knuckles, made sure that the wheels are straight ahead and equal number of visible threads were left on both the tie rods before connecting to the wheels, which would later be adjusted through wheel alignment.
3)All this while, the steering wheel is centered and locked to avoid damage to the clock spring.
4)Now the centered Rack is connected to the wheels through the tie rods and the steering wheel through the u joint.
5)Wheel alignment was performed and the result is Steering wheel was centering itself at 11’o’clock position on returnability. Thus, pulling the wheels along with the steering towards left and straight line tracking has become uncontrollable.
6)At this point, the turning radius from center to left lock is about an inch more than from the center to right lock. I opened the horn compartment on the steering to check if factory markings of the column were aligned with that of the steering wheel. Result being, they were absolutely aligned.
7)Then I moved the steering wheel one spline right. The result being, now I have equal turning radius from center to left and right lock.
8)Then, I again performed a wheel alignment with the steering wheel held in place straight ahead.
9)The result being, the steering wheel still is off- centre towards left at about 10° and still centers/returns at 11’o’clock position. Even if passed on a bump, the steering moves back to 11 ‘o’ clock.Car goes straight if steering held, between 11 & 12 o clock position. If steering is left loose, it again pulls to left and centers at 11 o clock. Hence, pulling the entire car towards left.
Now I suspect this. Please correct me
1) Steering Rack is still slightly off centre towards left like about 10° ?
(OR)
WHAT COULD IT BE ?
Most excellent video! Thanks! What is that foil around the hose at 12:59? I have noticed that on mine too? It has a zip tie. What purpose does that serve? Thanks!
Can I do this on a 2006 Infiniti?
Where did you get the new pump hose o rings??
Wow you did an excellent job documenting this whole job. You gave me confidence to tackle it myself. Do you recall the make of the steering rack you used?