Parts for your 2022 Toyota Land cruiser-Steering rack

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser steering rack: what it does and how to look after it

Yes, a steering rack is absolutely relevant on the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser (300 Series). Technical sources confirm the model uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with electric power assist (EPS): Toyota Global’s 300 Series technical presentation notes the adoption of EPS to improve manoeuvrability and reduce kickback off-road, Toyota’s Repair Manual (J300, Steering section) details a rack-and-pinion steering gear assembly, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue lists the steering gear assembly (rack and pinion) for J300, and regional spec sheets, including Toyota New Zealand model brochures, describe “electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.”

On this Land Cruiser, the steering rack’s job is to turn the driver’s steering input into precise left-right movement of the front wheels via the inner and outer tie rods. With EPS, an electric motor assists the rack directly, giving lighter effort at parking speeds and a more planted feel at highway pace. It also plays nicely with driver-assist features, helping keep things steady on corrugations and when towing.

There isn’t a fluid to change on the EPS rack, so maintenance is mostly inspection and prevention. At each 10,000 km/6‑month service, it’s smart to check:

• Rack boots (gaiters) for tears, mud ingress or grease leaks
• Inner and outer tie-rod play, and any clunks or notchy feel
• Wheel alignment and tyre wear patterns
• Subframe and rack mounting hardware for impact damage after off-road trips

If the rack or rack ends are worn, replacement should be paired with a full wheel alignment. Because it’s EPS, a technician will also need to centre the rack, perform steering angle/torque sensor zero-point calibration, and verify ADAS functions (like Lane Tracing Assist) with a scan tool. After deep water crossings or mud, rinsing the underbody and gently cleaning around the boots helps the seals live longer—just avoid blasting high-pressure water directly at the boot lips.

Warning signs it’s time to act include steering wander, uneven tyre wear, a knocking feel over bumps, notchy or heavy steering, torn boots, or an EPS warning on the dash. Genuine or OE-quality components are recommended, cheap rack ends can introduce play quickly, especially with heavy tyres and accessories. Look after the rack and the 300 Series will steer true on open highway and still feel composed crawling up a rocky track.

Popular questions

Does the 2022 Land Cruiser use electric or hydraulic power steering?
It uses electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS). This setup gives lighter low-speed effort, better on-centre feel at speed, and integrates with driver-assist features. There’s no hydraulic fluid to service.

How often should the steering rack be serviced?
There’s no scheduled overhaul, but it should be inspected every 10,000 km or 6 months. Check boots, tie-rod play, alignment and any noises—especially after off-road use, water crossings or big hits.

Do I need alignment or calibration after replacing the rack?
Yes. A wheel alignment is essential, and the EPS/steering angle zero-point needs calibration with a scan tool. If your vehicle has lane-keeping features, the technician should verify ADAS functionality after the job.