Rack and pinion problems

So my truck was been making grinding sounds when turning or hitting bumps, I didn’t know it was the rack and pinion until my dad looked under the truck and pointed out these things looking wrong, my rack and pinion looks horrible, I need to know did that area where the bushing is grind into the rack? I need help figuring out what I should do, would appreciate and advice!! Thank y’all

 

You need to replace your Rack and Pinion, Upgrade to Urethane bushings why your at it.

 

Lol straight up, so it’s that bad huh?

 

I would first try cleaning up all that grease, then replace the inner tie rod and boot. That’s less than $50 in parts and maybe 1-2 hours in labor. If the noise goes away, then get an alignment. If it doesn’t, then replace the rack.

 

ok I like that idea, at the same time I would like to just replace it all and be done with it but then again money lol, thank you

 

Replacing is probably your best bet as the age of our trucks demands it. We see many with leaky racks at 15 years and many have replaced theirs here with Reman’d Racks with success. You could also do a New OEM Rack (which is the route I’ll take on my 2002) when she finally blows after having a slight weep going on 4-5 years.

Yours being a 2006 might be troublesome in terms of parts cost for a New OEM Rack as that year is expensive for some reason iirc. Other problem with Remans is they tend to develop leaks sooner than OEM per some members here and you’ll end up with another job on your Hands.

 

I like how you capitalize hands.

 

Well, let's not jump so fast. I don't see damage here other than a split boot, which frankly doesn't do much harm.

Let's start with the small things first. If your rack was groaning you might be low on power steering fluid. I see an oily film under your truck but very hard to tell what it is from. Check your power steering fluid reservoir, it is in the engine bay on the passenger side. Wipe the top of it off before removing the cap. Check the fluid level out.

Is it low? If so look for a leak. Could be leaking at the pump, at the rack, or anywhere along the two lines that bring fluid through the steering system.

It isn't low? Okay, how does the fluid look? This can be confusing because power steering fluid tends to be clear or slightly yellow, however transmission fluid can be used in place of power steering fluid and would most likely be red/pink. If you see brown fluid and maybe bits of crap, try changing the fluid first. It will cost you 3 or 4 quarts of trans fluid. Research how it is done if you will take it on, it can get messy.

As far as that ripped boot, unless your tie rods are thrashed I wouldn't replace the inner ones. The boot can be replaced by removing the outside tie rod and slip a boot on. Inside tie rods can be hard to pull out, I'm at 240k miles on original ones.

 

Im sure it can be rebuilt, just about anything can be rebuilt.
A replacement would be the route i'd take.

 

If you buy a new rack and pinion, be careful with the boots when you install it back in. Couple years ago I replaced the rack and pinion on my 03 Ram 1500 and ripped up a boot while sliding it in. Then again I’m just a dui home mechanic

 

I was researching the same issue as you I have a 06 double cab 167k. My driver side boot looks like someone melted the underside. My bushings have also seen better days. Going to try and replace the boots on both sides and all the rack bushings.

my fluid was at the low line in the reservoir and I have some squeaking during cold starts when I play with the steering wheel left and right.

I thought it was my tensioner pulley and belt since the chirp was only at cold starts and the noise went away but continued a week after I replaced (not sure If it’s related)