TallerMike

So I've got a 2001 LS430 with 76,000 miles on it; and it's just started spewing steering fluid (I go through a bottle a week). It is out of warranty. The dealership says it will cost $2,700+ to replace the rack. Has anyone here attempted this before? Any thoughts, tips, anything? I've replaced things on other cars like brakes (pads, disks, calipers, etc...), half shafts, alternators, etc... I guess your typical "shade tree mechanic". Remanufactured racks (some with lifetime warranties) are much cheaper, like $500 range. I've seen some posts about the LS400, but I'm wondering if anyone has some info about the LS430?

juniorEXE

From Chilton. Hope it helps

Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear : Removal & Installation
LS 400 And 2001–03 LS 430

1.Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2.Remove or disconnect the following:
*Wheel(s)
*Engine undercover by removing the 8 bolts and 5 screws
*Cotter pin and nut holding each tie rod to the steering knuckle
*Tie rod end from the steering knuckle with a tie rod end puller
3.Place matchmarks on the sliding yoke and control valve shaft.
4.Loosen the top bolt holding the sliding yoke to the intermediate shaft. Remove the bottom bolt holding the sliding yoke to the steering rack.
5.Remove or disconnect the following:
*Pressure feed and return lines to the rack and pinion
*Power steering connector
*4 mount bolts and nuts to the power steering rack
*2 brackets and grommets
*Power steering rack from the vehicle

To install:

1.Install or connect the following:
*Power steering rack to the vehicle.
*2 brackets and grommets to the power steering rack.
*4 bolts and tighten the bolts to 56 ft. lbs. (76 Nm).
*Power steering solenoid connector
*Pressure feed and return tubes. Tighten the union bolt to 36 ft. lbs.
2.Align the matchmarks on the sliding yoke and control valve shaft.
3.Tighten the bolt holding the sliding yoke to the steering rack to 26 ft. lbs.
4.Tighten the bolt holding the sliding yoke to the intermediate shaft to 26 ft. lbs. (35 Nm).
5.Install or connect the following:
*Tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Tighten the nut to 48 ft. lbs. Install a new cotter pin.
*Engine undercover
*Wheel(s)
6.Bleed the power steering system and check the front end alignment.

TallerMike

I've managed to dig up an electronic manual for the car, and it says I'll need to remove the steering wheel. That's a bit more than I'm looking to do. Your description makes it sounds so much easier =) No warnings about the airbag sensors like mine says!

Has anyone here actually done this?

Stelth91

If you can do half-shafts, you can probably replace the rack and pinion

VQT

To change the steering rack, you don't need to take out the steering wheel. dig up the other manual, you have three shop manual total correct?