Nguruve
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2022
- Messages
- 26
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Hi all, just wanted to post this for future reference incase others have this issue.
My 100 Series has had slightly vague steering for a couple years, and then recently it started to become really heavy / lumpy. As you turned the steering wheel, the power steering seemed to pulse on and off. At speed, there were no vibrations or wobbles.
First suspect was the power steering pump, but it wasn't that.
Turns out the problem was caused by a worn-out universal joint on the steering shaft. A bit of lubrication to the UJ would make the problem "go away" temporarily (doused with WD-40).
Replacing the shaft should be a simple job, but in my case (and probably the same for anyone else in the UK, with our salt gritted roads) the splines on the joint between the steering shaft and the steering rack had rusted together. Separating this joint was a nightmare. Took a whole day of rattling, lubrication and force. Unfortunately in my case the amount of force required to separate this joint ended up wrecking the seals on the steering rack.
I've ended up replacing the steering shaft, rack, and track rod ends while at it. Horrendously expensive, but the steering is buttery smooth and much more responsive now.
For replacing the steering shaft, the first step is to remove the air box to gain access. 12mm bolts. Then unbolt the upper joint (to the steering column), which has a collar that can be slid back to release the steering shaft. This will take some working loose. Finally unbolt the lower joint (to the steering rack) and slide it off the rack. This will take a lot of working loose!
Make sure you get the correct steering shaft – they come in two lengths. For my right hand drive UK spec 100 series 1HD-fte the Toyota part number is 45203-60090. It is the longer shaft.
Also remember to use some method to mark the position of your steering column so you can re-align to when fitting the new part. The rack is not likely to change position, but the column will.
I've attached photos for reference.
Hope it helps someone out and saves them the bother I've gone through!
My 100 Series has had slightly vague steering for a couple years, and then recently it started to become really heavy / lumpy. As you turned the steering wheel, the power steering seemed to pulse on and off. At speed, there were no vibrations or wobbles.
First suspect was the power steering pump, but it wasn't that.
Turns out the problem was caused by a worn-out universal joint on the steering shaft. A bit of lubrication to the UJ would make the problem "go away" temporarily (doused with WD-40).
Replacing the shaft should be a simple job, but in my case (and probably the same for anyone else in the UK, with our salt gritted roads) the splines on the joint between the steering shaft and the steering rack had rusted together. Separating this joint was a nightmare. Took a whole day of rattling, lubrication and force. Unfortunately in my case the amount of force required to separate this joint ended up wrecking the seals on the steering rack.
I've ended up replacing the steering shaft, rack, and track rod ends while at it. Horrendously expensive, but the steering is buttery smooth and much more responsive now.
For replacing the steering shaft, the first step is to remove the air box to gain access. 12mm bolts. Then unbolt the upper joint (to the steering column), which has a collar that can be slid back to release the steering shaft. This will take some working loose. Finally unbolt the lower joint (to the steering rack) and slide it off the rack. This will take a lot of working loose!
Make sure you get the correct steering shaft – they come in two lengths. For my right hand drive UK spec 100 series 1HD-fte the Toyota part number is 45203-60090. It is the longer shaft.
Also remember to use some method to mark the position of your steering column so you can re-align to when fitting the new part. The rack is not likely to change position, but the column will.
I've attached photos for reference.
Hope it helps someone out and saves them the bother I've gone through!
