Replacement power steering rack bushings

[DerJaeger]

My '99 4runner has worn power steering rack bushings that is causing sloppy steering feel and vibration at ~60mph. I was told by the shop I took it to that the only fix was a new power steering rack ($900 parts and labor, yikes!).

However, I found a neoprene power steering rack bushing kit on ebay for $15. Anyone have feedback on using these? Can any competent shop fit them? (as an aside, any recommendations for a good shop in Gainesville FL?)

 

[p nut]

Get these.

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/4runnerrackbushkit.htm

And do it yourself. :bigok:

 

[Rescue84]

Thanks for posting this, it reminded me to order them!

 

[spongerx]

Have you guys done this yourself? How difficult is it?

 

[smallfry]

So is anyone else using the wheelers off-road parts in that link?

 

[brian2sun]

I got mine there too. They're high quality Energy Suspension bushings and wheeler's come with one more metal bushing that you won't get from some other places unless you buy it seperate. They kinda suck to install, but not horrible.

 

[004Gunner]

I used that kit from Wheeler's too. It has everything you need and provides instructions for the install. Iirc, the instructions said to disconnect one tie rod end but I didn't need to. The hardest part was figuring out how to get to the top bolt in the center

 

[gstai]

Be careful not to pull the rack out too far when putting new bushing on it. I did and it was very difficult to push the power steering unit back in place. It took two people to push it back in place. Actually threw out my shoulder doin it lol

 

[Duhockey]

I got mine there too. They're high quality Energy Suspension bushings and wheeler's come with one more metal bushing that you won't get from some other places unless you buy it seperate. They kinda suck to install, but not horrible.

Yep, Energy Suspension bushings, a couple of us got together for beers and did mine, it wasnt too hard, took a little bit of time but overall not bad.

I love how much tighter the steering is now...

you can get them from Toytec too... PM steezemcqueen or Ric for a discount code, maybe save yourself some money possibly.

 

[RunningRick]

i just did my rack bushing because i would wander all over the road and the steering wheel alignment would change so i check the bushing about a week ago and they where toast. now nice and firm with no movement it is a kinda a pain in the butt but it is worth being done and i got mine from toytec they have great customer service so i will continue using them.

 

[smallfry]

Good to know you all have had good luck with them. I have a set on order.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

I got em and I like em

I got the Energy Suspension set from a member here that never got around to installing them- and had IRBIS install them on my 99 beauty.

Some have said they will "squeak" but I have yet to hear that.

Firestone had diagnosed that my steering rack needing replaced. They agree now the bushings have made a huge difference.

I still get some shimmy and shake on some road surfaces and some speeds but it has improved significantly.

One train of thought is to simply replace your stock bushings with new stock bushings but for less money I preferred to try something else and glad I did.

 

[holders]

How do you know if the bushings are bad?

 

[salvaged]

anyone have a write up on this i think i will trying this to eliminate some play before i move on to other more expensive plans

 

[durrell]

anyone have a write up on this i think i will trying this to eliminate some play before i move on to other more expensive plans

02 Steering Rack Bushing Replacment

Toyota Maintenance: Steering Rack - Bushing Replacement

 

[brian2sun]

How do you know if the bushings are bad?

If you are standing still with the engine idling and turn the steering wheel back and forth, the rack itself will move if the bushings are worn. It won't move at all with new/good bushings.

 

[SIKHILUXSURF]

did mine 2 months ago before i put new tires on. it was a night and day difference. a lil shimmy on certain roads but non the less it was a big improvement.

 

[steezemcqueen]

i'm about to do mine so i'll post up some pictures when its done :thumb3:

you can kinda see it :shrug:

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[jac100]

Replaced Bushings

I went to Firestone to get my alignment and was told my bushings were worn out. They took me out to see my car on the alignment rack and the mechanic grabbed my tire and shook it from left to right slightly. I could see the steering rack moving a millimeter or 2 each time.

The tech wanted to up sell me. He said he could replace the bushings for me but they would only do OEM parts (not the poly replacements I told him were superior) and he said "we recommend just replacing the entire rack because when these bushings go the rack isn't too far off". After that load of crap I went home.

I bought the set from Energy Suspension and and followed the instructions at 4x4wire.com.
Toyota Maintenance: Steering Rack - Bushing Replacement

There were 2 major holdups for me:

1) I had to take the tie rod ends off to get the rack out far enough to replace the bushings. Big pain in the butt. Mine were practically seized on and no amount of banging would break them loose. I thought of using a fork but was afraid of destroying the rubber boot. I went to harbor Freight and they had this great took that is made for breaking Tie Rod ends off without destroying the boot. I checked their website and can't find the part. PM me if you need and I'll take a picture of it. It's in their retail store.

2) Taking the old bushings out. Those darned things did not want to come out. I finally go them out by using a 6-inch C-Clamp. I put the new sleeve on the front and pushed the old ones out.

I am going back to Firestone tomorrow to get my alignment (lifetime alignments rock!) but I can already feel a big difference in the way the steering feels. It's a little more firm and seems to hold the line a lot better. Previously I seemed to float all across the lane I was driving in.

 

[jac100]

Tie Rod Tool

I can't find the tool on Harbor Freight's website but I did find a close facsimile to it on Amazon's site:

Amazon.com: Tool Aid 61900 Tie Rod End/Ball Joint Lifter: Home&#133;

I never thought I'd say this but I think the Harbor Freight tool looks better made. Same tough steel/iron but the HF model has 2 positions for the center pin so it can handled very large Tie Rod's or small ones. The price is as normal a bit cheaper at HF too.