Rack and Pinion 91 Celica

[solsurf]

I got a lot of play in my steering, almost 6inches. Kinda scary while driving. Someone told me it might be the R&P. Anyone got pointers or pics of swapping it out? I bought a Chiltons online, but it's been almost 2wks and still no book. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Brian R.]

Welcome to the AF!

See where the free-play comes in by having someone turn the wheel back and forth a couple of inches and see where the steering gear stops moving. It might be in your steering gear joints, the suspension arm ball joints, the rack, or the front wheel bearings.

[solsurf]

yeah my steering wheel isn't centered. it doesn't pull either way too. i have to turn it almost 3 inches either way before the car catches. dunno if that makes sense. Thanks.

[Brian R.]

Yes, it makes sense. Just find out where the play is and replace it. Probably just one component is bad.

[solsurf]

Thanks for the reply. I have another issue, i believe a vacuum hose is missing. Any ideas as to where this is suppose to be connected? It is sucking in air. Could be the culprit to my 19mpg stat. Thanks again.

[Brian R.]

You should have a vacuum hose routing diagram stuck on the underside of your hood. If not, get one free from a Toyota dealer parts counter. They will special order yours if you give them your VIN. If you don't have one, get the emissions/tune up specification sticker also.

BTW, it looks like you have an open port on your intake. Plug it.

[k1ngsky]

you dont have to plug the side hole on your intake, just add in a small filter.

[solsurf]

No diagram under my hood. Still waiting for my Chilton's manual to come in.

But I'm talking about the thing circled in red. Thanks.

[Brian R.]

Plug what ever it sucking air and order a vacuum hose routing sticker so you can accurately route its hose.