How To Repair Rack And Pinion Leak On A Toyota 1998 4runner

98.tacoma [OP] Member

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Ga

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98 tacoma preruner

just a 98 Tacoma with some new parts. 2wd, 160k miles

My 98 has a leak on rack and pinion and its pritty bad. but i cant find a vidio to fix the seals on it. i think if i replace the seals then ill be good hopefully. A new rack and pinion is way too expensive. anyone know about these or could help??
043RZ Well-Known Member

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Is that coming out of the boot? If so your probably going to have to buy a new rack and send in the core. You could rebuild it but it will prolly be worth just getting a new one with a warranty
Dirty Pool I WAS DRIVING THAT MODEL A

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Check for rust on the rack shaft inside the boots first.
Then this link might help but it's not for everyone. Remember if your 98 rack is original it has the "old style" guide and should be upgraded to the new style along with the seal kit. Also replacing "rack end seals" can be done without fooling with the more involved control valve/pinion shaft.
Light a fire and get comfortable.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rack-pinion-service-tools-tips.312600/#post-8072827

Last edited: Jan 30, 2017
bry838 Well-Known Member

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oregon

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Honestly you'll be better off replacing that bad boy. After fooling around with seals even if you can find em or have it done you'll already be into it fairly good $$ wise. Then you still have an aged unit. Look around there are lots of options for new and remaned racks from super cheap all the way to toyota oem.
98.tacoma [OP] Member

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Ga

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98 tacoma preruner

just a 98 Tacoma with some new parts. 2wd, 160k miles

Id love to do oem but i dont have the money. and it is comming out of the seals. the boot looks fine just oil on outside. i might try the seals first because they are a whole lot cheeper. i just need something to get thew for a cupple yeirs. also r there any springs or anything that if i take that bolt off the back (right where there is red fluid) to replace the seal that is busted, will it mess it up where i would have to replace whole unit? this is out of my feild of knowledge.
cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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I've never rebuilt or replaced seals in a steering rack, so don't know your answer. But I bet this guy does @Dirty Pool
DrZ Well-Known Member

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First of all, are you sure it's not leaking from a hose above and just dripping down onto the rack?
If it is the rack leaking, then you have a few options other than a new/rebuilt unit. You could find a used one (that's not leaking) for cheap at a junkyard. If you look up the part number, you may find that some other models used the same rack & pinion, such as 4Runners. If you're lucky you could find a junkyard vehicle with the engine removed to make it a little easier.

Second, there are rack & pinion seal kits available either from Toyota or Gates (~$50) or cheaper brands. The problem with this is the procedure for disassembling and reassembling involves pressing some bearings and seals in and very carefully installing teflon rings. I've never done it, but you can read through the procedure in the factory repair manual. This would be the cheapest route if your time is worth nothing.

If you want a relatively cheap rebuilt unit you could try Detroit Axle for $225. That pages shows what other vehicles are compatible which might help if you want to look at a junkyard for a rack.
98.tacoma [OP] Member

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Ga

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98 tacoma preruner

just a 98 Tacoma with some new parts. 2wd, 160k miles

Oh wow... yahhh i know id mess that up. Nore do i have the tools. well i just ordered a new rack and it was around 300. but thank you verry much. and thank all yall. ill tell yall how it goes when i put new one in this weekend
99SuperTaco4x4 Well-Known Member

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YMMV, but Lucas PS Stop Leak worked for me. It is a temporary fix, but I was refilling my reservoir weekly, with a stain on my driveway from a constant drip. After putting Lucas in, I haven't put in any PS fluid for 1.5 months. Again, it may not work for you and this is not a permanent solution, but so far its saving me from the time, hassle and cost of a new rack.
98.tacoma [OP] Member

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Ga

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98 tacoma preruner

just a 98 Tacoma with some new parts. 2wd, 160k miles

I got the new one in and all new lines and it works like a charm. Not one leak at all. thanks yall!
Check if that came with a warranty. Had mine replaced and couple months later had to use the warranty to replace it yet again. Just food for thought.
98.tacoma [OP] Member

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Ga

Vehicle:

98 tacoma preruner

just a 98 Tacoma with some new parts. 2wd, 160k miles

it does, i made sure of that at least lol. but thanks!