[Renaud33]

I need some help regarding the drivers side steering gear assembly/tie rod linkage shown in this picture. Does the whole steering gear assembly need replaced?

 

[ShowStop]

I don't see any major problem there. Looks like you have some minor seepage coupled with dirt contamination. Clean the shaft off and check for scoring or rust spots. If everything looks good, check the shaft for play. You shouldn't be able to move the shaft up/down/forward/backward. If so, then your rack might be wearing out and more play will develop.

Does your PS fluid look dirty? I'm guessing you should flush your PS fluid. Also check that PS rack boot for rips, you want to keep the dirt and stuff out of the ends of the rack.

 

[Renaud33]

I don't see any major problem there.

You shouldn't be able to move the shaft up/down/forward/backward. If so, then your rack might be wearing out and more play will develop.

Does your PS fluid look dirty? I'm guessing you should flush your PS fluid. Also check that PS rack boot for rips, you want to keep the dirt and stuff out of the ends of the rack.

In my opinion there is a MAJOR problem there. You can see the linkage coming apart. Last week I had the truck aligned, tires rotated, and tires balanced because I have been getting steering wheel vibration. The problem continued when I got the truck back. I went back to talk to the mechanic and he told me everything was tight and nothing was broken. The shop evidently did not check things because the guy I just bought an 86' 4Runner from this weekend looked at it with me and found excessive play in this linkage joint. I don't believe this joint can just be just pressed back on and that was my question. I ordered a new steering assembly. ($300)

 

[ShowStop]

In my opinion there is a MAJOR problem there. You can see the linkage coming apart. Last week I had the truck aligned, tires rotated, and tires balanced because I have been getting steering wheel vibration. The problem continued when I got the truck back. I went back to talk to the mechanic and he told me everything was tight and nothing was broken. The shop evidently did not check things because the guy I just bought an 86' 4Runner from this weekend looked at it with me and found excessive play in this linkage joint. I don't believe this joint can just be just pressed back on and that was my question. I ordered a new steering assembly. ($300)

What linkage joint? The inner tie-rod end? That part can be easily replaced. Your picture shows the inner tie-rod on the left side and the end of the steering right in the middle covered with fluid and dirt. What are we supposed to infer from the picture? Where is the play coming from? The rack or the tie-rod end?

 

[Renaud33]

What linkage joint? The inner tie-rod end? Where is the play coming from? The rack or the tie-rod end?

Yes the inner tie rod end and steering assembly link. Play is coming from this connection. I wasn't sure how this connection came apart if at all. That was the main question I had. I went back to the shop and talked to the manager. He told me he was sure it was just the inner tie rod and not the steering assembly. I am going to bring the truck in later today and he is going to look at it with me and tell me what it is. Then I can fix it and he will realign the front end.

 

[ShowStop]

Yes the inner tie rod end and steering assembly link. Play is coming from this connection. I wasn't sure how this connection came apart if at all. That was the main question I had. I went back to the shop and talked to the manager. He told me he was sure it was just the inner tie rod and not the steering assembly. I am going to bring the truck in later today and he is going to look at it with me and tell me what it is. Then I can fix it and he will realign the front end.

The inner tie rod can be replaced seperately.
Removal is step #5:
http://65.200.1.6/FSM/Repair_Manual/03tacoma/sr/psg4wdpr/disa.pdf
Installation is step #13 and 14:
http://65.200.1.6/FSM/Repair_Manual/03tacoma/sr/psg4wdpr/reas.pdf