My 1993 2.2 2WD (new shape) T/Ace Royal Lounge has just failed the MOT with play on the left hand-side of the steering rack. Can you advise whether the track rod is adjustable, or whether this part can be replaced independant of the steering rack?

Also, can I obtain rear lower shock absorber bushes for this?

- (#13008) Chris Robson, 25 Aug 04 11:56

Do you mean the track rod end (ball joint), or the inner joint within the corrugated rubber cover?
Both are replacable, not sure if the inner one can be adjusted by means of shims?

The CD shows part no 90385-16009 for the old shape (sorry don't have yours listed) so at least it a place to start with at Toyota.

- (#13008) Clive (Bristol), 25 Aug 04 12:32

Chris, if the shock absorber bushes have perished its generally time to change the shockers and fortunately they come complete. not too expensive , monroe do pattern ones for under 30 pounds - and they will kill the cab bounce a lot - have a look at the bushes on the castor rods as they 'shrink' and cause play when you brake (its the rod that has large doughnut shaped bushes trapped between large locknuts on the underbody 24mm i think)
mine had shrunk a sizeable 10mm - jack it up and observe the gap.

jim

- (#13008) j adgo, 25 Aug 04 12:51

Thanks Guys. The track rod play is in the inner rubber booted end. I read a Dave Miller comment somewhere in the archives that he had an exploded diagram of the track rod / steering rack on a parts CD and that it had a large adjusting nut. If Dave is watching, I would be grateful for an email copy. If I can't adjust the play out I'll buy a new track rod. Unfortunately, my T/ace is fitted with TEMS so I suspect the shock absorbers will cost more than £30. I'll look out for replacement bushes.

- (#13008) Chris Robson, 25 Aug 04 13:16

chris, the nut you're referring to is for the rack slipper itself. if you've play at the inner end of one of the trackrods, you'll need to replace the trackrod. if you remove the gaiter, you'll see a big retaining nut and lockwasher, the whole assy unscrews from the end of the rack.

try your local factors for universal shocker bushes, btw...

- (#13008) David Miller, 25 Aug 04 13:28

sorry not made it clear, the toyota part no i quoted above is for the rear bottom shocker bush for 1989-1991 cr21 (2wd).

- (#13008) Clive (Bristol), 26 Aug 04 01:55

Sorry to dampen the enthusiasm here but I went to great lengths to try and get replacement bottom bushes for the front shocks. I tried Toyota, factors and even specialist nyloc bushes - nothing was available or fitted properly. I'm afraid you are looking at just over £100 each for TEMS shocks from Toyota. As Jim says, if the bush has had it then the shock can't be far behind.

- (#13008) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 26 Aug 04 02:05

Very good Ian "dampen", made me smile.

- (#13008) Clive (Bristol), 26 Aug 04 03:14

It was only after I posted that I noticed the unintentional pun. Wondered if anyone would notice. Should have known that it wouldn't escape your watchful eye Clive and you would bounce(oops there I go again) back with a comment :-)

- (#13008) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 26 Aug 04 04:44

groan...

- (#13008) David Miller, 26 Aug 04 08:25

no sense of humour some people .......... :-)

- (#13008) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 26 Aug 04 08:51

My vehicle is a 1993 T/Ace 2.2L 2WD Royal Lounge. BBC Spares have just advised me that they will have to order the track rod from Japan. Heaven knows how long that will take! Can anyone help with a part number so I can try Toyota UK? Does anyone know a T/Ace friendly dealer that does mailorder? Thanks

- (#13008) Chris Robson, 26 Aug 04 10:42