Parts for your 2006 Toyota Crown-Steering rack

2006 Toyota Crown steering rack — what it does and how to look after it

For the 2006 Toyota Crown (S180 series, e.g., GRS18x), a steering rack is absolutely used. Technical references that confirm this include Toyota’s New Car Features for the S180 platform (describing a rack-and-pinion steering gear with hydraulic assist, and Variable Gear Ratio Steering on some high-grade variants), the Toyota Repair Manual sections for “Steering – Power Steering – Rack and Pinion,” and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists complete steering gear assemblies (e.g., 44250-30xxx range) for 2006 Crown models. These sources make it clear the car relies on a rack-and-pinion setup rather than a recirculating-ball box or steer-by-wire.

On the 2006 Crown, the steering rack turns the rotational input from the steering wheel into the left-right motion that actually points the wheels. Most grades run hydraulic power assist for a light, direct feel, certain variants add VGRS, which still uses a rack but varies the steering ratio electronically for sharper response at low speeds and improved stability at highway pace.

As part of regular servicing, the steering rack deserves a quick once-over. A shop or savvy owner should:

• Inspect bellows boots for tears, moisture, or oil, any fluid inside the boots hints at internal seal wear.
• Check for free play at the wheels and at the tie-rod ends (inner and outer), and listen for clunks on bumps or when rocking the wheel.
• Look over the power steering lines and pump for leaks and confirm fluid level and colour, many workshops refresh the fluid every 60,000–100,000 km.
• Verify steering feel on-road: heaviness, nibble, or wander can point to a tired rack or alignment issues.

When a rack is leaking, notchy, or excessively loose, replacement or quality reconditioning is on the cards. Best practice is to fit new inner tie rods and outers if there’s any play, replace the rack boots, and use new crush/lock components as specified. After installation, a precise wheel alignment is mandatory. If the vehicle has VGRS, a steering angle neutral point and system calibration with a scan tool (e.g., Techstream) should be performed so it tracks straight and the ratio control behaves properly.

In Australia and New Zealand—where many Crowns are JDM imports—going with an OEM or premium reman rack pays off in feel and longevity. A tidy, leak-free system with fresh fluid and tight tie rods keeps the big Toyota pointing true, preserves tyres, and makes long trips a breeze.

Popular question: How can someone tell if the Crown’s steering rack is worn out?

Tell-tales include seepage around the boots, a low or aerated power steering reservoir, knock or clunk over small bumps, on-centre play, tramlining, or steering that feels sticky when turning past centre. Uneven tyre wear despite correct pressures can also be a clue. A proper inspection on a hoist will confirm free play at the inner tie rods or movement at the rack mounts.

Popular question: Is it worth reconditioning the original rack or going new?

For many 2006 Crowns, a quality reman rack is excellent value and often easier to source than brand-new OEM. Choose a rebuilder that replaces bushes, seals, and inner racks, pressure-tests the unit, and supplies new boots. If the car’s a long-term keeper or VGRS-equipped, a genuine new rack can be worthwhile if the budget allows.

Popular question: Does the rack need special calibration after replacement?

Standard hydraulic Crown racks need a careful centring and a wheel alignment. If the vehicle has VGRS, a scan-tool procedure is required to set the steering angle neutral point and initialise the variable ratio system. Skipping this step can leave the wheel off-centre or the ratio response out of whack.