I was messing with my 4 runner, and I had one front tire off the ground with a Jack, I knowticed about 1/2" of left/right play in the wheel. I have new ball joints, but original tie rod ends and inner tie rod. The runner has 225,000 miles on it. I took the plastic boots off the steering rack to examine where the free play was coming from.

My questions are,

Have any of you had both outer and inner tie rods replaced?
And.
Are the steering rackshafts supposed to have grease on them? or is that caused by a leaky steering rack?

Thanks
Jason

 

At your vehicle's mileage -age I would be shocked if you do not need both inners and outer tie rod ends. Both sides. Also have those ball joints replaced. They can and have failed catastrophically for some members of this very forum and T4R.org.

Steering rack -have verified by an alignment shop but it does sound like a blown seal. Many options so shop and compare. You can get a factory rack of course but you can also save money with independent operators.

Share your location in your name or signature-help may be closer than you think. Us metro Denver guys have a close network of 3rd gen owners and look out for one another. If you are nearby we can likely recommend some places for you.

Left to right 'the green monster-Dylan, SnowRunner-Jeff, and duhockey-Shon and my FrydRiceT4r white beauty. January lift for Shon and meet and greet hosted by me.

 

I replaced my inners and outers last year after failing inspection for excessive play in the inners. I had no issues with grease escaping, but this can happen. The actual rack is greased up and there are seals on both ends, so you probably need them replaced too.