A few months ago I started getting a funny "clank" sound from the front driver's side whenever going over small bumps or uneven pavement. So I take it in to a local shop and was told that everything looked tight..except my steering rack had too much play and I needed to replace the bushions. Toyota does not sell the bushings separately so I was quoted upwards of $700 for a new rack. So...after looking at my options, I decided to go with Total Chaos bushings. I figured $35 wasnt a bad upgrade.

So I take my 03 Sequoia into a local off road/fab shop and get the bushings installed. The shop is pretty respected locally and the dude knocked it out fairly quick. I get my car back and surprised at the improvement...less slop, feels a lot tighter. He also lubed and tightened everything so even the clank was gone. Suweeet.

I was feeling good until I hit the freeway on-ramp going home. It was a tight right hand turn and I was going about 30-35....and yes, just like many stories here, my skid control kicked in...beep beep...rrrrrr.rrrrrrr. Took it back in the shop and was told everything looked fine, which I'm sure he was right, I mean....it was just bushings, nothing was disconnected during the install.

To make a long story short...now anytime I go above 25-28 mph on a really tight turn (on/off ramp), the skid control kicks in. I read a bunch about the Zero Point Calibration so I figured, what the heck, lets give it a try since the steering rack had to be removed and reinstalled to put in the bushings. I take it into a local dealer and get the calibration performed. Driving home from the dealer I face my first on-ramp with much anticipation...and...then..beep beep..rrrrr.rrrrr, WTF! So I take it back in and ask why the skid control is still coming on. The tech that performed the calibration says its due to the after market bushings. Says he saw the same thing with another sequoia that had the "red bushings". He says because its a lot harder, its doesnt allow enough sway (i thought thats the idea) and throws the sensors off. Isnt that what the zero point calibration supposed to do? Isnt it supposed to "recalibrate"?

Anyhow, just a bit frustrated because I tossed the old bushings and pissed that my $35 upgrade may have cost me a new rack to get things back to normal. Oh, and that "clanking sound" also came back.

Has anyone installed new bushings and had to do the ZPC? Did it work? Has anyone installed bushions and not had to do the ZPC?

Damn that sucks!! I was think about upgrading my rack bushings but after this I may have to wait and do some more research.

I upgraded my rack bushings also on my '01 Sequoia with the Total Chaos bushings.... love the improved steering, but unsuccesful resolution with the ZPC. I chose to disconnect the VSC/TRAC and have been happy with that decision for my situation. I live in a rural setting and pull out onto a 65MPH highway without an onramp... not safe with the VSC/TRAC on... all it takes is a small amount of gravel under the rear wheel when accelerating to make the wheel slip causing the VSC/TRAC to activate and cut the power. If you haven't had this happen, it's freaky! No thanks.

As respects the clunk. If your clunk is in the steering I would take a look at the inner tie rod ends. I've had both my drivers side and passenger side wear causing a clunk in the steering. It's an easy DIY assesment and fix but you will need to have a realignment when done.

Thanks for the reponse Motile. At least I'm not the only one with that has done the ZPC unsuccessfully. I like the tighter steering but kinda wish I woulda left it alone. I'll be also disconnecting my VSC/TRAC as the skid control really irks me. I know plenty of people have done the same (disconnect), has anyone had any negative experiences?

I will take a look at the inner tie rods, thanks for the suggestion.

I have it installed on my 03. No ZPC. So far the skid control kicked in once. But I was driving down hill going about 70 making a long left hand turn. Kragen sells some bushing but doesn't specify if its rubber or not ( not the energy suspension ones ). List: Rack & Pinion Mount Bushings - 2003 Toyota Sequoia | O'Reilly Auto Parts (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/Rack+&+Pinion+Mount+Bushings/02875/C0031.oap?model=Sequoia&vi=1418396&year=2003&make=Toyota)