I was actually signing on right now to post a different question about the rack: how to replace the bushings without taking the whole car apart.

Which videos did you watch? The videos I found were not very helpful. People were saying that Toyota won't sell the part because the procedure is so involved

 

I was actually signing on right now to post a different question about the rack: how to replace the bushings without taking the whole car apart.

You can replace the passenger bushing fairly easily........but that driver side bushing is a different story.

You are NOT gonna get a rubber bushing pushed in it's hole. Your best bet would be to use an aftermarket two-piece polyurethane bushing for the driver's side. But even at that, you're still gonna need to press the pieces in place (not possible to do with the rack still on the car).

 

Basically.........

The steering wheel bolts onto the steering shaft.

The steering shaft bolts onto the intermediate shaft.

The intermediate shaft bolts onto the steering rack.

It's damn near impossible to put alignment marks on the steering rack.......and even if you do get good marks, good luck aligning them........I have a better process:

First thing is remove two clips from the steering column sound barrier. This barrier is inside the car where the steering column shaft assembly passes thru the firewall under the dash. With the clips gone, remove that sound barrier.

Next, remove the pinch bolt from the top of the intermediate shaft coupler.

Then ensure the front wheels are pointed straight ahead.

Secure the steering wheel (some how) so that it remains pointed straight ahead.

Slide the intermediate shaft and steering column shaft away from each other to disengage them.......it's a "slip yoke" type of design.

Remove two clips which secure the (now visible) rubber weather barrier. With that rubber piece removed, you'll see there is a giant hole in the firewall for the shaft to pass thru.

With the sound barrier and the weather barrier removed, you have plenty of room to make alignment marks. Easily accessed. Clearly visible.

Remove the rack with the intermediate shaft attached to it, taking care to not move the tie rods in/out of the rack.....this will ensure straight ahead wheel position upon reassembly.

Now lay the old rack next to the new rack and ensure the new rack is in the "straight ahead" position as compared with the old rack.

Transfer the intermediate shaft onto the new racks splined shaft keeping the intermediate shaft in the same position to that which it was on the old rack.

You don't have to get the position on the splines perfect. If you're off by a few splines, no big deal. The service shop will compensate the difference when they perform the alignment to keep the steering wheel pointed straight ahead.

And think about it.......the alignment marks on the old rack are only good if you're installing the old rack.

I'm at work right now. I'll hop on the shop computer and try to pull up some diagrams for visual reference. Toyota dealership service department.

 

Disregard the text for that middle image where it states "align the matchmarks and install......." I included that image to display whereto place the marks PRIOR to disassembly.

 

Wow. Thanks so much for the insights, Tony