Hi Guys,

Read a few threads on the benefits of this conversion. Is the conversion just the replacement of the rack and the power steering pump? Looking for comments from anyone who has actually done this conversion. What is required and how hard was it to do?

Cheers.

Mate, the rack and pump are all bolt in units.

I have not done it myself but have compared the parts and they are near identical when it come to mount and bolt up

The TL/W really only was different forward of the strut tower, anything behind the tower is the same as the TE-J

pretty sure my rack is leaking.... what benefits are there?

pretty sure my rack is leaking.... what benefits are there?
its the same as the ralliart power steering pumps
pretty much gives you a better feel in the wheel

Yeah - there was some discussion of this last year, I think. Search might find the old threads.... I remember it that the Ralliart steering had a much better "feel" and feedback - much less vague than standard. This was something to do with valve rates in the steering rack, and maybe the power steering pump also. Whenever I need to replace a rack, I'm gonna keep this in mind and try for a TL/TW rack.

Only the rack is needed for the conversion. My rack was leaking, and I had mine replaced with a good second hand one from a TL. It's a straight swap, although I had it put in by a mechanic, not myself. Essentially the steering is quite a bit stiffer around centre, much firmer. Definitely feels a lot better, as anyone who has driven both a TJ or earlier and TL/TW can attest to. As Elwyn said, MMAL played around with some of the resistance from the valves in the rack to stiffen up the steering. This was done as a response to customer feedback on their cars.

Only the rack is needed for the conversion. My rack was leaking, and I had mine replaced with a good second hand one from a TL. It's a straight swap, although I had it put in by a mechanic, not myself. Essentially the steering is quite a bit stiffer around centre, much firmer. Definitely feels a lot better, as anyone who has driven both a TJ or earlier and TL/TW can attest to. As Elwyn said, MMAL played around with some of the resistance from the valves in the rack to stiffen up the steering. This was done as a response to customer feedback on their cars.

Thanks D-Van,

Was not sure if it was the pump and the rack, so thats all good. Will go with the rack. Anyone replaced their rack themselves?

D-Van is spot on. To be precise, MMAL made changes to both the pump and steering rack.

Power steering pump assistance boost curve was changed on the pump for less assistance when steering was at center and at high speed)

Steering rack was changed through the revision of the power steering valve.

So if you want to replicated the TL/TW/Ralliarts, then you can replace both, they are direct bolt on.

D-Van is spot on. To be precise, MMAL made changes to both the pump and steering rack.

Power steering pump assistance boost curve was changed on the pump for less assistance when steering was at center and at high speed)

Steering rack was changed through the revision of the power steering valve.

So if you want to replicated the TL/TW/Ralliarts, then you can replace both, they are direct bolt on.

Is this true when changing from FWD to AWD, or are the racks different?

Thanks D-Van,

Was not sure if it was the pump and the rack, so thats all good. Will go with the rack. Anyone replaced their rack themselves?

I have done a rack in a late model Camry but had a hoist and have done a heap of mechanical stuff before. I would imagine that it would be a bastard without one and not something for beginners.

D-Van is spot on. To be precise, MMAL made changes to both the pump and steering rack.

Power steering pump assistance boost curve was changed on the pump for less assistance when steering was at center and at high speed)

Steering rack was changed through the revision of the power steering valve.

So if you want to replicated the TL/TW/Ralliarts, then you can replace both, they are direct bolt on.

Thanks for the extra info GTVi,

So does that mean that I can't change the rack until I get the updated pump or can I do the rack and then the pump at a later time?

Thanks for the extra info GTVi,

So does that mean that I can't change the rack until I get the updated pump or can I do the rack and then the pump at a later time?

Usually its convenient to do both at the same time, otherwise do the rack first, and if necessary the pump later.

Cheers GTVi and thanks.

Ive got a TL power steering rack and a TJ ralliart pump in my TH. As GTVi has said on the ralliarts the power steering pump "boost" curve was modded.

Made big difference (over the standard TH setup) to the feel of the steering but even with those mods it still feels abit "wooden/vague" but thats just a magna trait.

Cheers Jason,

Yeah, I have a fluid weep from the top where the shaft enters in my current rack, so thought it would be a good time to upgrade the rack instead of getting the old one fixed. Sounds like it is a worthwhile job and will look at a new pump in the future.

Any idea on costs for this mod?

Hi Dave,

Just bought a second hand TW rack for $130 delivered. Not sure on the pump yet. Still looking into how much to get the racks changed over so sorry I can't give you much more at this stage.

Update:

Had my TW rack installed today and I am very impressed with the result. The steering has more resistance and definately a better feel. Feels more sure footed on the road. I recommend this to mod to anyone.

Was a bit surprised at the poor condition of the original rack. Looks like the leak has gone unnoticed for a long time. The rubber parts of the rack mounts were really flogged out. Maybe the fluid has perished them. Explains why my steering has been so sloppy.

Are the power steering racks the same for both FWD & AWD or are they different? Anyone knows?

Are the power steering racks the same for both FWD & AWD or are they different? Anyone knows?

Not sure, but I thought Alscall was looking into that??

Not sure, but I thought Alscall was looking into that??

I've asked in his thread as well and I was hoping u would know mate! :eek2: