So I own a 2004 radiant ember Max with 48k on it, and the steering rack is gone to junk ! The service writer says he's never NEVER ever seen one go this early on a max before. He has a Durango with 160k miles and his just went too. Anyone else have this problem so early in the life of their car ?? I mean I baby this thing and dont even do 10k miles a year. ACK, and its gonna be 800 to a grand to fix

JEEEEEEZ

 

Is it hard to turn, or is it leaking everywhere? At about 45k on my 04, it became almost impossible to turn. After much trial and error, I found that the lower universal joint in the steering column was almost frozen up. This is the one that bolts to the top of the rack itself. I ended up pulling the steering intermediate shaft and soaking it in penetrating lube overnight to loosten it up before reinstalling. Since, I just soak it with lube every month or two and haven't had another problem again. I would try soaking the lower u-joint with a quality rust penetrant a couple times a day until it becomes normal again. And just an fyi, I am an ASE master certified Toyota tech. I tried damn near everything to find out what was wrong with mine. Hope this helps a bit.

 

I just read your other post. Do what I said above. That is EXACTLY what mine was doing. I see that you live in a smow state like me. I'm pretty sure that you can blame salt for that one. I work for a dealership, and the prices are too damn high. FIX THIS ONE YOURSELF.

 

I'm not even kidding but it worked and you probably saved me the thousand dollars !! Holy ISH. I hope it works if i keep spraying it with lube just from over and under and it's a ton smoother !! Why didnt the dealer try to do that in the first place before charging me to diagnose just that it wasnt the suspension nor a clogged line ? UGH I am so releived. Thank you !!

 

With 48k would this be covered under warranty, the 60k powertrain

 

Because its a dealership and they will make money any way possible. Glad I could help. I fought the problem with mine for 2 months before I finally figured it out. And as for longevity of the fix, It has been almost 10k miles since mine did it, and still no problems.

 

Powertrain only covers the engine and transmission and associated parts that move the vehicle, like axles and wheel bearings. Power steering rack, pump, and intermediate shaft are not covered.