Toyota Avensis Estate D4D T3-S Steering Rack Removal

[jem555]

how big a job is it to remove the steering rack from a 53 plate toyota avensis estate d4d t3-s

[avensisd4d786]

not done one my self but this may help.

POWER STEERING.pdf

[Azzawacker]

Hi I've got to do the same but mines a t4 model it looks a massive job and the cradle has to be dropped but I've got a plan and a way that might work

[avensisd4d786]

is this steering rack a common fault? what are the symptoms?

[Azzawacker]

Not as I'm aware no mine needs changing due to potholes I've had advisers on last two mot,s now and I have had bad tire wear on the front and its just untrackable now so it needs changing I've managed to get a good second hand complete rack with pipes and universal joint for 50 quid so I'm laughing gonna change it next weekend what's wrong with yours avensisd4d786

[avensisd4d786]

hopefully nothing, I am going to keep these cars as-long as I can so I am keen to know of any potential faults

[jem555]

it looks a pig of a job to change the rack subframe has to be dropped

[Azzawacker]

Easier to change than I thought

[avensisd4d786]

Any tips azzawacker for future questions

[Azzawacker]

I did mine on the drive on my own tools I used was two large blocks of wood to hold car up in the air on the chassis rails and metal axel stand to stick under the gearbox after engine mounts are removed and a trolley jack to use to lower subframe to floor and a good socket set and breaker bar to help move the tight subframe 19 MM. Bolts . . Disconnect the main power steering pump pipe that goes over the engine near cam belt cover from pump and disconnect the other pipe you access from in drivers side wheel arch using pliers to remove clip after removing wheels . Then disconnect anti roll bars from lower bolts not from struts . Remove the 3 nuts that hold ball joints to lower arms and disconnect track rods from hubs . Now comes the easy bit straighten the steering wheel and thread the seat belt through the wheel and click into the seatbelt holder to hold steering wheel straight. In the foot well use a large flat screwdriver to prize the foot rest moulding away from the floor and remove upper cover to gain access to the universal steering joint you may need to pull carpet up like I did . You will see a 11mm bolt above and bellow the joint the lower bolt remove compleatly and upper just loose off now you should be able to slide universal joint upwards off rack .

Now the tricky bit place jack under gear box and remove engine mounts and gearbox cross bar . Place axel stand under gearbox . Now place trolley jack in the centre of the subframe and jack up to take weight of subframe . Now undo the 4 bolts that are situated under the drivers foot well and do the same on passenger footwell . Remove the two front 19mm bolts that will require deep 19mm sockets now slowly lower jack bit by bit checking that the fluid pipe over engine goes safely over and down the rear of the engine till subframe is on floor now slide subframe away from car and replace steering rack and reverse the process I got pics of me doing mine step by step will post soon or message me if you wanna see them or for questions hope this helps everyone