4JJ3 Steering Rack Common Problem Explained

Following on from our Facebook post a couple of weeks ago, we have found the rust issue on the steering racks is becoming more frequent and more prominent. After the last two weeks of installs on 2020+ Dmax and BT-50s, we are now confident that this is likely to stem from an issue from time of manufacture.
We've put this together after another install we could not complete yesterday due to the rust issue. It was the worst we had seen to date, and the vehicle is less than 2 years old with a very modest drive history. We had less on the write-off test chassis vehicle that had been completely submerged - in fact, that one has NO rust!
This video is purely informative, and we do not advise removing parts from your vehicle (this will void warranty). To safely test for any 'red flag' warning signs, you can jack from the chassis to allow wheels to droop at full extent. When adjusting the wheels manually by hand, you should feel that you have tension with minimal-to-no play. Anything more than this and we would urge an assessment by the manufacturer.

[@alby5482]

Hi, Thanks for the informative video. I have a 2020 D Max 4x4 with a worn bush where the steering shaft goes into the rack. Have contacted several places but they will not look at it because it's electric. What can I do? The dealer told me it will cost $8000 to replace it! That's way too expensive. Do you have any suggestions?

[@daranitraheng2456]

Great information video. Thanks for sharing this!

[@billthompson2739]

Great information, thank for sharing.

[@astingordon-cooke6633]

Excellent video, same issue on my 2022 since new. First service this week and they couldn’t find anything, I’ll take it back and ask about this specifically.

[@Munji4x4Accessories]

Make sure they jack the car up off the ground, put the wheel on full lock to the left and move the wheel front to rear by the wheel and watch the rack move up and down within the body of the rack.

[@astingordon-cooke6633]

@@Munji4x4Accessories Thanks heaps I will do 👍

[@mattpearson5339]

@astingordon-cooke6633; what was the symptom you noticed when driving yours- did you have a feeling of movement/ play through the steering wheel?
Trying to diagnosis my issue, having the same problem with ISUZU, they checked but say they can’t find anything
Thanks heaps 👍

[@astingordon-cooke6633]

@@mattpearson5339 So my car goes in tomorrow to be inspected but my symptoms are a very noticeable judder/play in the steering rack that feels vertical more so then front to back. It is audible with the stereo off in specific situations such as roundabouts and very flat/smooth bitumen. It is mainly prominent when turning at 50+ kmph.

[@mattpearson5339]

@@astingordon-cooke6633 that sounds very similar to mine, hope it all goes well for you with today’s check and keen to hear how you go!
To feel movement through the steering wheel in my mind it has to be the rack or the column itself, and given MUNJI’s video it’s looking like play in the rack is a likely cause on both our vehicles
Fingers crossed for you and let me know how you go 😊👍

[@adamharris69]

Thanks this is very informative

[@wassup353]

I get clunks going in and out of steep driveways/dropping into gutters. Do you think this issue would also cause this?

[@danielhart7354]

Great video. Would have been even better if you explained how to apply the correct tension

[@mattpearson5339]

⁠ Great channel, great products, great info!
My stock 2023 MUX since day 1 brand new has a feeling of movement/ play through the steering wheel whenever the suspension is moving (compression or rebound).
Most noticeable when stoping at a set of lights and the suspension rebounds from compression, you can feel movement back and forth through the steering wheel that matches suspension movement.
No noise/ knock whatsoever, just a very noticeable feeling of movement through the steering wheel
Do you think movement in the rack might be the culprit?
Of course ISUZU couldn’t find the fault, a quick bit of silicone spray on the suspension pivot points and out the door…
Thanks MUNJI👍

[@Munji4x4Accessories]

It would be great if you could swing me a call and have a chat 0404 797 034
There is a few things in the front of these that we notice but the rack adjustments is nearly always the main issue. Next is the racks design in general. Its pretty ordinary unfortunately

[@mattpearson5339]

@@Munji4x4Accessories thanks so much mate I really appreciate it I’ll give you a buzz in the next couple of days 👍

[@isaacchevez7983]

Just bought a Isuzu Dmax 2024 brand new, same symptoms. I noticed it since very first day, I took it to the dealership with just 1000kms and they couldn’t find anything, they said “it’s normal” in these trucks 😢