slickric

Hi there,
Just bought a '99 ES300 for $1K with 230K miles.
I hardly drive nowadays but noticed when driving at moderate speeds and taking turns there's a significant dead zone in the steering wheel, when i turn the steering wheel the tires don't turn with it, usually causing me to do a violent jerk when changing lanes and taking turns.

From my research, it's very likely to be the rack and pinion bushings needing replacement.
I was thinking about polyurethane but what do you guys think?
Any info on where I can buy polyurethane or rubber?
Quality parts, not stuff from chain stores.

Anyone have any instructions or good YouTube vids for my model? I've searched for vids and found a few but just wanted additional input.

Don't want to shell out the cash to have it done professionally so wanted to do it myself.

Thanks guys.

LeX2K

I hate poly bushings they don't last at all. Before you buy anything put the car on jack stands and inspect what is going on. I did this job a long time ago don't remember much about it, search Youtube just about any Toyota and Lexus in a similar year to yours has the same rack and pinion setup.

Not sure on what brand(s) to look for, do you have oil leaking issues? That's generally what ruins the bushings otherwise they don't go bad.

slickric

Thank you for responding, i haven't had the car for much time but after i did the oil change it hasn't lost any oil.

So I'm assuming the bushings went bad over time.
Thanks for the advice!