Steering rack prolong life

I have an 06 double cab with 210k miles, with a relatively new steering rack (replaced before I bought the truck). I've been trying to stay on top of preventative maintenance, and I have been wondering if there is anything you can do to keep the steering racks from going bad? I assume that flushing the power steering fluid can't hurt, but is there anything else, or any specific directions regarding the flush? I dug around but didn't see much else about this - apologies if I just missed it. I figure i'll likely try to keep this truck about forever, and I know that can be an expensive repair when they do wear out. Thanks all

 

Welcome to the forum @ck90

 

The typical failure is leaky seals. Fresh fluid is the key to keeping seals in good condition.

 

Don’t take the vehicle to a hack for front end alignments. It’s how mine started to leak.

VIP Auto….not so VIP service.

 

My, new to me, 2006 AC came with Magnefine filters installed in both the PS and transmission cooler lines.
I don't know if I would have done it myself but since it came with them and the lines are already trimmed to accommodate them
I'll just continue with them.
They are not very expensive.
https://magnefinefilters.com/

 

Install an inline oil cooler to reduce the heat. Heat is what breaks down the seals quicker.

 

To extend the life of your PS rack? Use it as little as possible. Sounds silly but don't keep trying to turn the steering wheel once your rack has extended fully. I don't know why some people think they can get their truck to turn any tighter by holding pressure after the steering rack has moved as far as it can.
Don't start turning the steering wheel until the truck has started moving. This eases pressure on the steering rack.
For those of us that grew up before power steering was common this is natural.

 

This.

I try and try to get my wife to avoid the backing up out of a spot then while vehicle completely still turning that wheel to point the correct way. Instead learn to turn the wheel half way during the backup then Stop turning the wheel until beginning to move forward - now complete the 2nd half - EZ peasy on you and the whole steering system.

 

My 21 was part of the steering rack recall so until I verified I didn't have one of the bad racks I was especially careful.

 

It should already have one

 

Can never be cool enough

 

It definitely isn’t anything fancy, could upgrade for sure

 

Isn't it just a tube?

 

I had a truck with no PS back in the 90s. Yeah, it becomes natural. Also, I'll take the wheel hard over, then back it off a few degrees. Old habits I guess.

 

Manual steering is a good workout when you need to park.

(Just don’t break the steering wheel)

 

I installed a Hayes 678 Trans cooler and im happy so far.



It's has more surface area than stock, in a slightly thinner package. I wish I had the forethought to get before/after temp measurements.

Here's a prior thread on the topic
https://www.tundras.com/threads/upgraded-trans-cooler.48516/

 

Worth taking the time to mention there are legitimate additives for the steering rack seals, like

$21 AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks, 8 Ounce Bottle

AT-205, that will help recondition the seals, in the same way the additive packages in new fluid (and 'high mile' fluid) do. I wouldn't trust anything else on the market, but they exist.

It's even more fun with manual trans. It's even more fun if it's column shift. Momma said I couldn't play the drums, but after spending my formative years driving a truck with 3 on the tree and no power steering, my left arm was stout from yanking the wheel around while my right arm was shifting, and my feat were feathering clutch and gas.

 

Not that yanking! I use both arms at the same time for that, keeps the forearms from giving you away to strangers.

 

If you’ve ever driven a car without PS you know what kind of forces that rack is subjected to. Never turn the wheel when you’re not moving. That’s the single biggest preventative measure you can take.

 

Is there a thread on installing a Magnefine filter in the power steering system? Seems like a better idea than letting the grit circulate over and over again.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=install+magnefine+filter+site:www.tundras.com&udm=14