Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 1999 Toyota Tacoma

Truck shakes at about 45 mph and continues to shake through highway speeds. When looked at for inspection I have been told by both Toyota dealer service centers and independent garages that the play in the rack and pinion is causing the shake and the play is to significant to pass inspection. As I write, my truck is at a Toyota dealer having the 4th rack and pinion installed. The shake causes seals in the rack to wear and break. When these seals break it will quickly empty the power steering pump of fluid causing loss of power assist steering. I have been fortunate to have been aware of this problem and not to have caused an accident.

Vehicle experiences shaking in the steering and tires continually wearing on the inside of each front wheel, these problems are due to the rack and pinion unit, there is too much lateral play within the unit, this causes difficulty with the alignment, consumer states that the rubber on the rack and pinion is either too soft or it needs to be shimmed behind the shackle so there is less play in the unit.