Ya get what ya pay for . . . aftermarket parts

[73sport]

In November of 2005 I put a long rack in the 1995 Camry which had about 150k miles on it then. (A long rack is a complete rack and pinion assembly with tie rods installed). While rotating the tires today (218K), I grabbed the front wheels (while jacked) and found easily an honest 1/16" - 1/8" of play on the inner sockets where the tie-rod secures to the rack.

Well, this explans the "dart like" behavior of Camry on the rutted freeway so it looks like I'll be putting some new tie rods in!

The point: I wish I'd kept the original Toyota tie rods from the original rack as I bet they'd be loose today but not Sloppy like these aftermarket parts!

The good news is the rack is doing fine and the 218k mile car has no leaks anywhere!

Here is the original install article DIY Rack Job.
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t108185.html

Anyone installed these on Camry and know how to hold the rack gear from being abused while loosening and tightening the t/r's? Yeah I could pull the rack. It might be easier?

[zppeacock]

I got a pair of inner tie rods, that I was going to use in my es300. Fits camry also 92-96. I didnt use them but they are aftermarket.

[toyomoho]

Make sure the claw washer is unstaked. The end of the rack has a flat that a wrench can be place on to hold it.