Power Steering Fluid Leak - Rack and Pinion Recommendations

My 2006 DC Tundra has recently developed a major PS leak on the passenger side. It seems like I will need to replace the rack and pinion. I am looking for an opinion regarding an aftermarket brand that is reliable, as the OE are almost double the price.
Two of the products I am considering are from BBB and EDELMANN (links below).
I would appreciate any input.

BBB
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8393904&cc=1432861&pt=7388&jsn=10

EDELMANN
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12747729&cc=1432861&pt=7388&jsn=11

 

The only semi-reliable non-OEM rack I've seen on this forum is Detroit Axle. That's the route I'd go. And you clearly need new busyings too.

OEM is 2x the price because it'll last 4x longer than aftermarket. Parts store parts are half the price because they last 3/4 less than OEM. You're losing money on the deal if you're buying for longevity. It lasted you this long, eh? You won't get that from aftermarket.

 

I looked into Detroit Axle as well and it was cheaper than the two I mentioned, but when I read the Google reviews I was a bit hesitant to go with their product. But maybe I should take another look at it!

 

@bmf4069 and two others here are using it and have reported good feedback. BMF has had his in for a couple years, and actually hucks the hell out of his truck sometimes.

I can't remember if there's any others in the "win/cry" hall of fame/shame for aftermarket thread OVER HERE.

 

I bought this one and I’m having it installed September 11th

https://fr33lancefab.com/products/first-gen-tundra-sequoia-steering-rack

update: rack has no leaks and is working great

 

Yup! Still running great!

 

I've got the Detroit Axle steering rack, it's been good, no issues.

 

question, with a reman rack not from toyota, do you still use atf in the rack...or then switch to power steering fluid ? Do the non oem racks use different seals, do the non oem racks come with inner tie rods

 

Use either Toyota recommended PSF or Dexron 3in your truck. Dexron 3 is getting harder to find. The Service Rite PSF sold by SE Toyota dealers is part number 00036-00006.

 

My experience is cheap aftermarket mechanical parts will fail you and leave you doing the same job again and in the end you spend more money and 2x the time. I'm changing mine out right now with an OE one I got from 1stgenoffroad.com. I'll get my 200 core charge back when I return. In the end I'll have about 600 in it. But I'm redoing my entire front end. New joints, bushings, cv's...everything. gonna be like new and get me another 400k down the road. My Oe lasted that long.

 

I ended up ordering the EDELMANN. It seems like it is manufactured in US and they pressure test every unit. I was gonna have a mechanic replace it, but I wanted to give it a try myself so I bought some tools and removed the old one already. Unfortunately, one of the PS lines (the upper one that connects to the rack and pinion) broke. Is that the return line or the pressure line?

Edit: It is the return line.

 

I put the Sunsong power steering lines on my truck. They worked well. Did both the pressure and return line. You should be able to find the lines on Rock Auto.

 

I am looking there but doesn't seem like any of those are compatible with the 4x4 w/tow package. I wonder if I can order the line for a different package and just replace the part of the line that broke and clamp it on the other side to the existing line?

 

I also drive a 2006 Tundra SR5 4x4 Double Cab with the tow package... these are the exact Sunsong lines I put on my truck.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/sunsong,3401254,power+steering+pressure+hose,7320

 

might be a silly question, but what difference would a tow package make to a power steering rack on these rigs. I know some years back a few trucks offered power steering coolers if towing and maybe in that case a hose could be diffferent

 

There is a power steering "cooler" located behind the front bumper on my truck. It's little more than a metal loop that the power steering lines connect to.

My previous truck (not Toyota) had a legitimate power steering cooler, had cooling fins on it and everything

 

Update: I installed the EDELMANN rack and pinion, got an alignment done and have driven it for over 500 miles so far. No leaks and no issues at all with the steering.

 

That is the the same part that I am looking at as an option for my 2004 AC. How did the brackets line up? I read a post on here that their Sunsong lines had one less bracket than OEM (2 instead of 3)...not sure which part # as their are several for the various 1st Gen trucks.

I think mine has 3 PS line brackets. 1) one to the left and forward of the passenger side D Rack Bushing & Clamp; 2) one on the passenger side frame rail & forward of the wheel hub; and 3) one on the front passenger frame near the lower radiator hose. I think and will have to double check. It has been awhile.

My new OEM steering gear (not remanned) was scheduled for delivery today. But I won't get to see it until next week at the earliest. Any tips on the install?

 

That is quite the warranty there....100 yrs or a million miles...long live the Tundra!!!

 

I recently changed the rack in my 2001 Sequoia. The truck has been thru 23 Wisconsin winters and it wasn’t easy getting all the bolts out. Especially the one in the middle of the rack that comes down from the top. Got it out though and replaced with a new OEM rack not a reman. Talked to a bud at a local Toyota shop in Madison that told me about half the reman OEM racks he puts in, have issues less than a year later. I paid $1100.00 for the new rack. Hopefully lasts another 23 years lol.

 

I did have to move the brackets on the new lines, I don't remember if it had 1 less bracket or not, but I do think I may have moved a bracket over from the old lines.