Power Steering Rack, Pump Overhaul - is this DIY do-able?

**GeeEss** · 19-10-2011, 11:32 PM

Would appreciated some feedback on the feasibility of overhauling a Steering Rack & Pump athome using OEM Seal Kits.

Have been having problems with the steering on my AE111 Levin. Took the car to a Brake / Steering Workshop today and was advised that the Rack's teflon bushes have probably gone.

The guy said that the Pump might also need attention but re-iterated that the rack was probably the culprit.

I said that I would order the parts myself and R/R Rack & Pump and arranged to drop the units+Kits in when I got them.

Workshop called back later - advised the guy that overhauls stuff for them would have the seals+teflon bushes in stock for rack, and all the seals for pump; quoted me $410 for rack and $275 for pump (seals only, Vane not replaced).

The guy seemed genuine and if I could be certain the thing would be done properly with quality parts I would be happy to pay the $$$, but I'm worried that typically workshops use non-OEM seals & bushes to keep their costs down and that I would be better off doing it myself knowing Toyota Parts had been used t/out.

How easy / difficult is it to rebuild a rack & pump? I have a garage, a good range of tools and large bench but not having taken apart a rack or pump before, am not sure if a press, etc is needed. . .

Is it worth the hassle attempting this or are the reco units generally pretty good? What sort of warranty should I expect as a minimum?

**thechuckster** · 20-10-2011, 03:45 AM

pump is a DiY affair - hardest part is removing the rear plate (if it's anything like the 3S pumps, they used an ultra-stiff wire loop to hold it in place and be really difficult at removing without stabbign yourself). Take pictures during dissasembly and then follow after replacing the seals & o-rings. Change the shaft if worn at the front seal. All metallic internals (e.g. vanes, carrier) should be OK unless it's injested lots of metal. I got a seal kit (no sjhaft) for ~$30.

No idea about rack tho a reco+exchange unit is the easiest option. Piston part just requires suitable tools & vices. Steering shaft side could be painful if you get re-assembly wrong.

No idea about rack warranty tho you'd expect a reco unit to come with some form of statutory warranty if sold commercially.

**GeeEss** · 20-10-2011, 10:51 AM

Thanks. . . . appreciate the info. Think I'll just get the Rack reconditioned first & see if that fixes the problem, and do a DIY on Pump if needed.

**litldv8** · 20-10-2011, 10:48 PM

pump should be asy to do as a diy
the rack no so easy just get it recoed
just remember that assembly is just the opposite of disassembly - just you swear in different spots!
neil

**GeeEss** · 21-10-2011, 09:38 AM

Re. "Swear in different spots" . . That's hilarious, best phrase I've heard in a long time; really sums up the whole DIY experience. Let's face it though, we love the pain, otherwise we wouldn't be here on a Forum like this. . .