Steering rack lash adjustment Q

[danzo]

I tried to do this yesterday, but I am finding that the lock nut is difficult to access. Some say they used a pipe wrench, but the subframe is in the way. Is there a favorite "deep reach" pipe wrench you guys use? The FSM lists special tool #SST 09612-24012, but my local dealer doesn't stock it/won't get it for me.

Any help is appreciated, as my rack has lots of play and it's driving me bananas! Plus I want to replace the front struts and get my car aligned soon. I did search the archives, but didn't find anything other than a pipe wrench reference.

Thanks!

[tercel4wdrules]

You might have already done this, if so disregard this, but have you checked the inner tie rods for excessive play? You should check this before you go and adjust the steering rack. My car had very worn inner tie rods and it had very sloppy steering, I replaced them both and the steering went back to normal. This is just a suggestion...

[gmeddy]

are the inner tie rods the end of the steering arm that go's from the steering rack to the wheel?
it's threaded half way, where you attach the two halfs together right?
so inner would be the half that is in the steering rack? not the half that is connected to the wheel right?
i replaced the boots on the rack once, that was a headache...
i've got some major play in the steering, and it's just recently become stiff here and there, at first i thought i had a flat tyre...
i dont really know what to do. this inner tie rod can be removed and replaced?
i couldn't find anything at all about the steering system in my FSM

[ARCHINSTL]

I had some slop and thought at first it was the rack - but the tie rods were really sloppy. While OT, I had previously replaced the two rack rubber mounts, which firmed the rack a bit, as one was completely perished from oil (it was a PITA, I might add).
Here are a couple of links which should help with words and pix:
https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php? ... ods#p15173
With some pix and notes and AZ Repair Guide link (skip down a bit):
https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php? ... ols#p24331
Tom M.

[takza]

Stiffness could be the universal on the steering column above the rack...try hitting it with light oil. Usually if it's loose...it's not stiff....if it's stiff...it's not loose.

Looseness:

* column universal above rack

* outer tie rod ends

* inner tie rod ends

* right rack bushing (inside rack)

* rack/pinion lash

* rack/pinion bushings

Best way to see where it's loose is to pull the boots back(for inner ends and rack bushing) when under the car and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth slightly while you watch closely for looseness...takes only a few thousands of an inch to make it sloppy.

[danzo]

My apologies for never posting an update - the excessive play in the steering was caused by the inner tie rods. On the advice of t4wdrules I removed the mostly decayed rack boots and visibly saw (as apposed to aurally saw??) about 1/8 inch movement in the inner tie ball joints. I think I paid about 20 bucks a side for new ones. Now my car has accurate steering.

Funny thing is that the car goes in a straight line despite no alignment after doing this job. I just counted the threads and prayed to my Guardian Angel, who happens to be my uncle Jerry. I realize the alignment most likely is still off, but until I get some tires that are each worth more than a 6 pack of Pearl Light I won't worry about it.

Also I'll put some oil on the u joint like takza suggested, I hadn't thought of that.