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Toyota Avalon Steering Questions

67 messages,  Last post on Jan 14, 2009 at 8:38 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Avalon, Steering, Sedan

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#18 of 67 Steering Rack by bconsi Dec 03, 2003 (2:35 pm)
nomad56 - Thanks for the suggestions. You're right, I'm not in a position to do the work myself. Aside from marginal mechanical skills, I've recently relocated, new job, 4 small children, etc. . . .   Thanks!
#19 of 67 bconsi - vehicle choice by fndlyfmrflyr Dec 04, 2003 (12:01 am)
If you need cargo space and seats for six at the same time your choices are limited to giant SUV or Odyssey size vans. MDX/Pilot will give about the same mpg as your Ody. A few more goodies available on the MDX and they are discounted now. There is no real difference in seating. The third row is small, though high school teens fit in the way back of my MDX. The Pilot has three seat belts in the third row while the MDX has two. The seat is the same width in both, within an inch or so.
#20 of 67 Avalon Maintenance - MDX - Pilot by bconsi Dec 04, 2003 (7:24 pm)
My apologies for leading everyone into a non-maintenance conversation. It's just that the repair issues with the Avalon occurred right as we have begun looking for something new. Thanks to fndlyfmrflyer for your comments regarding the MDX and Pilot. I originally looked at the MDX, and thought it might be a solid candidate. But, I have a hard time spending that much money without being a little more excited about the vehicle. As for the third seat, our oldest of four children is six -- so the Pilot or MDX should accommodate us for a good number of years. I liked the idea of a Sequoia orginally, but it just doesn't seem practical or luxurious enough for the money.   Just to qualify this as a maintenance post, I'm still refining my strategy for repairing the rack and power steering on my 97 Avalon. I first want to validate the dealer's diagnosis, and then find a reliable party to do the repairs at a reasonable cost. In the meantime, I'm closely monitoring my fluid levels!
#21 of 67 the rack replacement by gsleve Dec 05, 2003 (1:54 am)
Bconsi you can avert another rack replacement, all in all many rack replacements can be averted if indiviulas replaced the power steering fluid on an annual basis for, that matter if they use synthetic fluid can triple that change out, in most cars using a turkey baseter all that is needed to vacum out the fluid and replace most with tranny fluid done this little procedure adds longevity to a rack if any replacement at all for the life of the car. Noteworthy the manufacturers do not inform you to replace it because their intrested in replacing parts which can be big ticket items, some the more expensive german vehicles indicate a power steer fluid change. Hope this info helps out
#22 of 67 Toyota Part replacements/Steering Rack by abfisch Dec 05, 2003 (6:03 am)
Good comments. If you need Toyota parts and you can replace them yourself for the hood struts, you can buy alot of the parts on the web. Of particular note, Larry at www.brandsport.com is very knowlegeable and has been selling Toyota parts for years as very good prices. That may help you some with the cost.   Power steering replacement. Just want to make sure I am clear on this. Automatic Tranmission Synthetic fluid for the power steering rack??? Not brake fluid???? Just want to make sure.   Winter note:   For those of you who find the sprayers on the Avalon (00-present) not excellent, I discovered a little trick albeit time consuming. Notice the new Camry has the same sprayers ONLY now, the spray comes out in a fine mist, instead of two streams on each side. You can paint the new black ones or leave them black or get the same color and replace the old ones. It involves taking down the interior hood insulation. If you are not good with plastic, you will bust some of the clips that attach the interior insultaion but they are easy to replace. The nossles are a little tricky to get out but when compressed below (used a strong thin cord) they pop out. The thin (car wash) type of spray, covers much more of the front window instead of the stream, don't not scratch the window as much because everything is coating with fluid, and you use about 1/2 as much fluid. This is for those that constantly go through winter/salt/spray/dirt highway type driving. I found this very worthwhile, although initially painful. OEM look. You would not be able to tell as the only difference is the aperture hole where the spray comes out. Go the spray from www.paintscratch.com   "Feed the forum" with your good ideas.   abfisch
#23 of 67 Power Steering Maintenance by abfisch Dec 08, 2003 (10:49 am)
Can any of you skilled out there provide some tips on Power Steering Maintenance. How often, ease of doing it yourself, fluid type, etc.   Thanks.   abfisch
#24 of 67 by alcan Dec 08, 2003 (4:14 pm)
I pull as much as I can out of the reservoir with a large plastic syringe and refill it with factory specified fluid at each oil change.
#25 of 67 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Dec 08, 2003 (8:26 pm)
Some power steering pumps actually have filters in them, so check up on that.
#26 of 67 Steering Rack by rpmusgrave Dec 23, 2003 (11:07 am)
Dealer replaced rack and pinion on my 1997 Avalon at 51,000 miles. I've now got 111,000 and dealer says I need another replacement. Two times in this amount of mileage seems very excessive. I've just written a letter to the regional distributor to see if they can provide some type adjustment. I'll refer to the previous message showing someone got 50% discount at only 52,000m.   If discount offered, advise I go with dealer or find an independent?
#27 of 67 Steering rack by fndlyfmrflyr Dec 24, 2003 (3:45 pm)
Twice? Even once is unusual. One must wonder what is causing the failures. That said I am in a similar situation with a 2003 car (not an Avalon). The steering rack was replaced at 5000 miles and again at 10,000 miles. Miles will reach 15,000 in a couple of months. It will be interesting to see if the rack needs replacing a third time.

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