Steering Rack, OEM or aftermarket?

[haux]

Have any of you put in an aftermarket steering rack? Are all aftermarket racks just remanufactured OEM's?

I am considering replacing mine before too long.

OEM is $703.47 plus shipping.

I see new/remans on eBay for $130, $200, etc.

RockAuto lists a Beck Arnley reman for $330.39 ($111.50 core refund), A1 Cardone reman for $477.79 ($150 core refund), and an ACDelco for $585.89 ($165 core refund).

I'd be hesitant to get an A1 Cardone seeing how quickly my new half shafts are showing rust. But what about the others?

Might it just be better to buy the replaceable components and rebuilding it? I doubt Toyota has such a kit, but I could find out what's included in these aftermarket kits (bellows, seals, etc?) and buy the OEM parts.

[360glitch]

I am unsure about rebuilding the one you have yourself, however I would certainly buy an aftermarket unit before I spent $700 on an OEM one. Most of the re-manufactured parts seem to have an excellent warranty.

[73sport]

I put a $170 reman in my 95 V6 in 2005 and its still nice. Core was about the same $150. The Co. is done gone now or I'd drop a name.

If you replace it, Leave it all together for now an FLUSH about 2-3 qts of fluid through your existing pump, rack, and lines unless you intend to replace them. It saves putting junk in the new rack.

I wrote a descent artical on rack replacement. Several found it useful. Hit the search but ton and give it a read.

[Nervous]

I am in the same boat and decided to go with Rockauto's Beck & Arnley, especially their shipping is just very cheap (for MD at least).
As to OEM: have you called dealers? Or, this is online price? I saw the same price and called dealer, and he told me that even though they have "new" rack in their catalog they don't carry it anymore (not for gen3, at least). They sell only reman racks with price about 250 + core (150) + shipping (may be significant: 1sttoyota quoted me $100 for shipping). OEM numbers for reman racks for gen3 are 44250-06023-84 and 44250-06024-84 (I was told they are interchangeable).
BTW, I would also replace the rack bushing, OEM 45517-06010 (you need one) and stabilizer bar bushings (2 pcs) - OEM 48815-06021. (all OEM numbers are for gen3 V6 US made Camry).
But as I said I ended up with Beck / Arnley and now waiting for warm temperature outside (since it is pretty cold in garage and my leak is not THAT bad) to replace the original 13.5 years old rack.
As to rebuilding it by yourself. I decided not do this, since I have only 2 weekend days to fix my car (it is a commuter). If you have time, place and tools - you can try. However, OEM rack gasket kit is not that cheap ($90)

[haux]

Originally Posted by 73sport

I put a $170 reman in my 95 V6 in 2005 and its still nice. Core was about the same $150. The Co. is done gone now or I'd drop a name.

If you replace it, Leave it all together for now an FLUSH about 2-3 qts of fluid through your existing pump, rack, and lines unless you intend to replace them. It saves putting junk in the new rack.

I wrote a descent artical on rack replacement. Several found it useful. Hit the search but ton and give it a read.

Because I did the flush improperly yesterday, I did end up flushing an extra quart+ through the system to get the air out. By the end, it was running completely clear. But I can do it again next time, no biggie.

Can you (or anyone else) recommend a reman brand to go with? This is not the type of thing I'd want to have screw up on me shortly down the line.

I have read a write-up on the replacement from the DIY section. Unsure if you were the author of that or not. But I will definitely read up on it before doing the job.

[haux]

Originally Posted by Nervous

I am in the same boat and decided to go with Rockauto's Beck & Arnley, especially their shipping is just very cheap (for MD at least).
As to OEM: have you called dealers? Or, this is online price? I saw the same price and called dealer, and he told me that even though they have "new" rack in their catalog they don't carry it anymore (not for gen3, at least). They sell only reman racks with price about 250 + core (150) + shipping (may be significant: 1sttoyota quoted me $100 for shipping). OEM numbers for reman racks for gen3 are 44250-06023-84 and 44250-06024-84 (I was told they are interchangeable).
BTW, I would also replace the rack bushing, OEM 45517-06010 (you need one) and stabilizer bar bushings (2 pcs) - OEM 48815-06021. (all OEM numbers are for gen3 V6 US made Camry).
But as I said I ended up with Beck / Arnley and now waiting for warm temperature outside (since it is pretty cold in garage and my leak is not THAT bad) to replace the original 13.5 years old rack.
As to rebuilding it by yourself. I decided not do this, since I have only 2 weekend days to fix my car (it is a commuter). If you have time, place and tools - you can try. However, OEM rack gasket kit is not that cheap ($90)

A reman rack from Toyota? That is very interesting. If I can get my hands on one of those, I will go that route. I think I will call my dealer now and find out. Swaybar bushings are new all around, by the way. I didn't realize the rack had bushings too. I will definitely replace those. This is my only vehicle... so yes, I probably won't go the rebuild route. It was just an idea floating around my head.

[Nervous]

I asked them who makes reman for them. The answer was "we have a dedicated rebuilder". By another info I heard the brand name of Toyota's remans is "Maval".
BTW, this is the topic of 73sport with rack replacement writeup: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t108185.html
It is definitely useful (thank you, 73sport!), no images though (however, it is obvious procedure even w/o images).

[haux]

Righto. Just called them. Part number for my Gen4 is 44250-06090-84. The price he told me was $482.69. The MSRP you can get it for if you ask is $462.35. 1sttoyota's price is $341.21. $150 core charge. So... if I go this route, I will go through my local dealer. Shipping would be high otherwise, and returning the core via mail will be a pain the the ass I'm sure. In the end, I'd probably end up spending that $120 difference in shipping (unless they cover return shipping for core).

Excellent. This is the option I'll probably take.

[73sport]

I wonder if the difference in part numbers is the LE rack verses others?

My 95 is 3 turns lock to lock and is very firm at the wheel.

As I recal some of the other cars have more turns so my article may be in error when racks have anything other than 3 turns lock to lock.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t108185.html

No biggy though - turn it left till it stops. Turn it all the way the otherway carefully counting turns till it stops. Divide this # by 2. That is the middle.

If, given the choice and the book says interchangable, go with the firmer steering and less turns L to L.

As for rebuilding it yourself - no fun and no warranty! :/
You'll need tools you don't have and its a pain. For us its not easy to test it before the actual install so a leak is serious loss of time to pull it and fix it.
I've rebuilt steering boxes/racks before and you need super sensitive torque wrenches to set the pinion preload or the power assist will be whacked. Not to mention being able to measure the rack for wear down inside a tube. Inside mic's that reach 14 inches into a bore? NOPE. Aint got'um. Throwing parts at is waste if the tube is trashed or the control valve sealing rings have groves. You'll be throwing your money away.

Did you know that all that stands between the input shaft and pinion gear is a tiny little torsion bar? Its what gives the rack feel and turning resistance. A strong torsion bar = no feeling (a light steering wheel, lots of assistance). A weaker torsion bar gives more feedback to the driver. Fun stuff to play with but it can be painful the first couple of times you have to pull it out and fix your mistake. Been there done that while "experimenting!"


EDIT: in 2005 I paid $175 which was jobber cost as I recall. How times have changed. TRY TO FIND A BUD at parts store. It Helps! OR
"You calling parts store>>Hi this is Jimmy form Jimmies Camry shop... What's the list price for a (give them the Part number for the rack).
Parts guy> "List is $195!"
Now pick it up at discount price...

[SilverSoarer]

haux,

What brand of rack and pinion did you end up going with ?

[Nervous]

BTW, my Rockauto's Beck & Arnley installed 1.5 years ago is still strong and I have no problems with it.

[beige97camry]

autozone has worked me on all my toyota's without any problems over 20 years.