Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series Steering Rack End Sub-Assy LH/RH 45503-60040

Get Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series Steering Rack End Sub-Assy LH/RH 45503-60040 in Kenya

The Steering Rack End Sub-Assembly Left/Right (LH/RH), commonly known as the inner tie rod, is a critical component of a vehicle’s steering system. It acts as the direct connection between the steering rack (gearbox) and the outer tie rod end, enabling the translation of the driver’s input at the steering wheel into directional movement of the front wheels.

This Left and Right Rack End Sub-Assy Set is designed to provide a matched, high-performance replacement solution for both sides of your vehicle’s steering rack. It ensures precise handling, steering stability, and long-term reliability under everyday driving and demanding road conditions.

What Is a Steering Rack End?

A steering rack end (inner tie rod) is a ball-and-socket joint located at each end of the steering rack housing. It allows the steering rack to pivot and transmit force smoothly to the outer tie rods, which then move the wheels left or right based on steering input.

The “Sub-Assy” (Sub-Assembly) term means the component comes preassembled with necessary fittings or components, such as a ball joint housing, threaded shaft, and mounting surface.

Function and Role in Steering

The rack end plays a vital role in your vehicle’s steering geometry. It ensures a responsive, fluid connection between the steering gear and wheel hubs, maintaining tight control over wheel alignment and movement.

Primary Functions:

• Transfers movement from the steering rack to the outer tie rod end.

• Allows for articulation of the wheels through a ball-joint design.

• Absorbs vibrations and lateral movement caused by road irregularities.

• Supports alignment adjustments, particularly toe angle settings.

Because of their position and function, rack ends must withstand significant mechanical loads and environmental exposure. A faulty or worn rack end can lead to steering instability, excessive play, or uneven tire wear.

Design and Build Quality

Each Rack End Sub-Assembly (LH and RH) is engineered to OEM standards, ensuring a direct-fit replacement for the original part. Precision manufacturing ensures tight tolerances, high durability, and seamless compatibility with both manual and power steering systems.

Key Components:

• Ball-and-socket joint: Allows controlled rotation and pivot movement.

• Threaded shaft: Enables connection and toe-in/toe-out adjustment.

• Housing or sleeve: Protects internal mechanisms and helps absorb impacts.

• Dust boot compatibility: Designed to pair with steering rack boots for sealing out dirt and moisture.

The LH (Left Hand) and RH (Right Hand) assemblies are mirror images, tailored specifically for the respective side of the steering rack to ensure balanced performance and even wear.

Materials Used

High-quality materials are essential for withstanding the stress and constant motion experienced by the steering rack end. Each assembly is made using automotive-grade components designed to exceed OEM lifecycle expectations.

• Ball Stud: Hardened alloy steel, heat-treated for maximum strength.

• Joint Housing: Forged steel or iron with anti-corrosive coating.

• Threaded Shaft: Precision-cut carbon steel or stainless steel.

• Surface Treatment: Zinc or phosphate-coated to prevent rust.

• Grease Sealing (if applicable): Designed for permanent lubrication or equipped with grease fittings in serviceable models.

These materials provide resistance against wear, impact, heat, and corrosion, ensuring the part endures in both urban and off-road conditions.

Performance Features and Benefits

Investing in a high-quality LH/RH Rack End Sub-Assy Set provides a host of mechanical, safety, and driving performance benefits:

✅ Smooth and Predictable Steering Response

Reduces steering lag or looseness and ensures immediate wheel response to input.

✅ Enhanced Stability

Prevents steering wheel play and wandering, especially at highway speeds or during cornering.

✅ Improved Vehicle Alignment

Maintains the correct toe angle, ensuring even tire contact with the road.

✅ Reduced Tire Wear

Helps prevent premature tire wear due to misalignment or looseness in the linkage.

✅ Quieter Operation

Eliminates clunking or rattling sounds caused by worn inner joints.

✅ Balanced Left-Right Performance

A matched LH/RH set ensures consistent performance across both sides of the suspension and steering system.

When to Replace a Rack End Sub-Assy

Knowing the symptoms of a failing rack end can help prevent major steering issues and safety concerns. Typical signs include:

• Steering looseness or excessive free play

• Clunking or knocking noises during steering

• Vibration through the steering wheel

• Uneven or rapid tire wear

• Difficulty maintaining alignment

• Visible damage to the rack boot or joint

If one side is worn or damaged, it is often advisable to replace both LH and RH rack ends at the same time to avoid imbalance and premature failure on the other side.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This LH/RH Steering Rack End Sub-Assy Set is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and light-duty trucks, especially those equipped with rack-and-pinion steering systems.

Before purchasing, it is essential to check your vehicle make, model, year, and steering system type (manual or power-assisted) for compatibility. Always refer to OEM part numbers or consult a technician for verification.

Installation Guidelines

The Steering Rack End Sub-Assy should be installed by a professional or experienced mechanic. Post-installation wheel alignment is critical for correct suspension geometry.

Basic Installation Steps:

1. Raise the vehicle and remove the front wheels.

2. Detach the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.

3. Remove the rack boot and unscrew the old rack end from the steering rack.

4. Thread the new rack end into place and torque to specification.

5. Reattach the outer tie rod and secure all components.

6. Replace or inspect rack boots and clamps.

7. Perform wheel alignment to ensure proper geometry.

Note: It’s recommended to use thread-locking compound and ensure all nuts and cotter pins are secured.

Maintenance and Longevity

Rack ends are usually maintenance-free, especially in sealed designs. However, regular inspection during service intervals is encouraged.

Tips for Long Service Life:

• Keep the rack boots intact to prevent moisture/dirt ingress.

• Replace damaged boots or clips immediately.

• Check for steering noise or wheel misalignment.

• Get alignment checked after any suspension/steering component change.

Proper maintenance ensures your rack ends last 60,000 to 100,000 km or more, depending on driving conditions.

Packaging and Contents

This set includes:

• 1x Steering Rack End Sub-Assy – LH

• 1x Steering Rack End Sub-Assy – RH

• Mounting nuts (if included)

• Installation guide (in some OEM kits)

• Packaged in durable, shock-resistant automotive-grade boxing

Each component is thoroughly inspected and sealed to prevent contamination before installation.

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