Rack and pinion, turn the steering wheel left to right I can hear a clicking noise

RUDYPAK

MEMBER
2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
3.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
253,000 MILES

When I turn the steering wheel left to right, I can hear a clicking noise. I had my wife move the steering wheel while I inspected underneath where I thought the noise is coming from. Sure enough the bushings are worn and the rack and pinion is shifting a little side to side.
Can I just replace the bushings without removing the whole thing?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
43,032 POSTS

No, you cannot replace the bushing without removing the entire rack and pinion. I have included the instructions in the diagrams below. The bushings are pressed inside the rack body. I would get a rebuilt unit since you have 230,000 miles on it anyway. make sure to get a high-quality rebuilt unit and flush the power system fluid system before you begin here is a video to show you how to flush the system. The video is on a similar car, the process is the same. Make sure not to turn the steering wheel without the rack being connected or you will break the spiral wire inside the steering column.

https://youtu.be/rDo5ZA4KM7Q

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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