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Replacing inner rack end on R&P steering

Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:04 pm
by carrot
I just replaced an inner rack end (the ball joint thingy between the steering rack and the tie rod, hidden under the boot) on my Prado. Between the rack and the inner rack end is a special washer, with two tabs on the inside diameter that match up with a slot on the end face of the steering rack.

When I've done this in the past, the washer outside diameter was bigger than the inner rack end, so (I think) the washer can be bent down over the inner rack end to secure it. It looks something like this, where (1) is what I'm calling the inner rack end, (2) is the washer and (4) is the rack:

Image

The one that I just did, however, came with a washer where the outside diameter was actually smaller than the inner rack end, so there was no 'bending the washer' to be done. (It's an aftermarket part, from CV Joint Australia.)

So, is it ok to install this part without locking the inner rack end in place, or do I need to find a bigger washer thingy?

Thanks! :)

Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:18 pm
by chunks
When in doubt, a good dab of Loctite is the go.

Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:09 am
by carrot
Thanks chunks! Maybe I'll get back under there and stick some loctite in there...

I called the part supplier and they said that is the biggest washer that is supplied to them, so that's what they stick in the kit, and to re-use the old one. Hmmm. The old one is gone. :roll: