[Supras] '90 seat covers, suspension wear

[Dave Koos]

Hi Bernie,
    Not sure I have an idea for your seat, but mine has done the same thing.  Seat covers are a nice way to preserve your seats in the first place.  If you do get it fixed, I would highly recommend getting the covers.  Then take 'em off at any Supra meet to show off how well the seats have been preserved!! ;-)

The high pressure PS hose on the other hand, is something you WILL want to do NOW while the engine is out!  Especially if you disconnected it from the PS pump.  The hose is a major PITA to change out while under the car and the engine in your way!!

If your PS rack boots are fine, but the tie rod ends are old and worn, you may also want to change these now.  But those can be done regardless of whether the engine is in or out of the car.  If the rack boots are torn and brittle, then changing the entire rack now would also be to your benefit!  Check the PS rack bushings to see if they're still ok.  One of mine was practically disintegrated due to a previous oil leak!!  I ordered a new one from Toyota but don't recall the price.  Here's the diagram for 'em...
http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Library/EPC/291420/catalog.aspx?Figure=4505&Page=3
They are right and left side specific and are marked 45516 & 45517 in the diagram.

The ball joints are a replace as needed item as well.  You would check the up & down and side to side play while the wheel is in the air.  Worn ball joints can and will affect your alignment.  To save your tires, maybe it'd be a good idea to replace the tie rod ends & ball joints all at once.  That would also save you a second cost to have the car aligned after replacing the parts!

HTH,

Dave  92T & 84 P-type
Mesa, AZ
www.azsupras.com/suprattop.htm
www.azsupras.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: berniek at technicaldevelop.com 
To: Supras at supras.com 
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 11:29 PM
Subject: [Supras] '90 seat covers, suspension wear


Hi list.

    While rebuilding a JDM engine for my '90, it occured to me that I should also do something about the seats.  The seats are mid-gray cloth, but the driver's side is worn to the point where the fabric over the welting has worn through, and the plastic welting just flops around.  I'd like to do something about it, but the only thought I have is to get seat covers.  But no shop on the internet, including JCW lists MkIII covers.  I'd be very interested in what others on the list have done about this.  If a custom fit job is required, I'm in Morris County, NJ.  Getting a good job done is more important than saving money.  

    The chassis has 156K miles on it, but it has always passed inspection.  Anyone have any idea about life of the tie rod ends or ball joints?  This is a daily driver, and I'm willing to live with the less than stellar handling with stock rear strut bushings.  

    Lastly, I've read a lot on the list about failure of the high pressure PS hose.  I've never had problems with it, but am curious if that is just dumb luck, or if it is best to change while the engine is out.

    Thanks.

            BernieK