Replacement power steering rack bushings

[Patsawasy]

Thanks for the link Durrell. I am swapping out my sway bushings today, and if that does not correct my Highway tidal drift, this is my next attempt. Might just do it anyways. Ive been wondering if this was a home job or shop. Definitely a home job.

 

[salvaged]

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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if the camera didnt move i might be able to see movement :rockthrow:

 

[jsmithjr732]

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.

I completely agree with Brian's comment as I saw a comparison between my old, worn-out bushings and his poly versions. Mine moved quite a bit when idle and turning left/right. His were rock-solid.

 

[Daretofish]

Can you buy the OEM bushings? I'm worried the poly bushings will transfer too much road feel.

 

[TheDurk]

Can you buy the OEM bushings? I'm worried the poly bushings will transfer to much road feel.

I believe you can, but there is no kit--you have to buy each piece individually. You need a friendly counterman. Probably more expensive.

I was happy with the Wheeler kit and I have not read any complaints about the poly bushings other than getting them in can be a PITA.

 

[004Gunner]

Since this thread is getting little tips here and there on replacing the bushings, I'll add one I haven't seen. I found that the top bolt was best accessed by using 2 combo wrenches. The closed end 18mm (iirc) wrench can be placed on top of the bolt head by going in from the front and right side of the front differential (left as you are looking at the diff from the front). It's a tight fit but there is enough room. Then take another combo wrench similar in size and link the 2 wrenches together to give you more leverage. Crank the hell out of the wrenches until the bolt breaks loose. You have to access it from the top since the bottom nut is welded to the frame. Using the reverse of this will also allow you to apply enough torque when reinstalling the bolt.

 

[RunningRick]

heres also another tip i used a c clamp to compress the bushing in with the metal sleeve into there proper locations. I also hand no issues with leaving the tie rods connected and pulling the rack back. if the bushing that lays horizontal is not pressed in all the way it will not go back in to place all that well. I then pushed the rack back as far into place as i possibly could then did the passenger side bolt and nut started, then put the driver side bolt back in and tighten down the driver side aways down till the middle bolt lined up. then placed that in and tighten it down. next the passenger side, then back to the driver side to finish it off. then rechecked all the nut and bolt that came off once more and you are good to go

 

[jreask]

The only question I have is this. Aren't there two power steering fluid lines attached to the rack? I am getting ready to replace the bushings tomorrow. Is there enough play in the lines to pull the rack back to put the new bushings in ? Perhaps I am missing something that is obvious ?
Help !

Thanks

Joe

 

[TheDurk]

The only question I have is this. Aren't there two power steering fluid lines attached to the rack? I am getting ready to replace the bushings tomorrow. Is there enough play in the lines to pull the rack back to put the new bushings in ? Perhaps I am missing something that is obvious ?
Help !

Thanks

Joe

Yes, there is enough play. But you need to secure the right side of the rack with wire, strap or cord so the weight of the rack doesn't fall on those lines.

 

[jreask]

Yes, there is enough play. But you need to secure the right side of the rack with wire, strap or cord so the weight of the rack doesn't fall on those lines.

Thanks for the info. I got it finished up this morning and it did make a big difference. I can feel the road under me now. I still feel like the steering is "wandering" especially at highway speeds from 55-75 MPH. I checked all of the tie rod ends and ball joints and they looked OK as far as I can see. What do you guys think the next step is? Is it at all possible that the wheel bearings could be causing the problem? Before I took it down off the jack stands, the play was diminished greatly but there was still a little bit of play from side to side when I pulled on the wheel. The rack was NOT moving and the play was less than before I replaced the bushings, but still there was a little bit.
Anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks

Joe

 

[kball]

Maybe this will help...

How to: Replace steering rack guide- Pictures - YotaTech Forums

 

[noneckrex]

Just got my kit from wheelers off road. Is that "d" shaped piece suppose to be one solid piece? Cause mine is def ripped. At the bottom towards the flat part ts ripped all the way across.

 

[TheDurk]

Just got my kit from wheelers off road. Is that "d" shaped piece suppose to be one solid piece? Cause mine is def ripped. At the bottom towards the flat part ts ripped all the way across.

It's supposed to be split, not ripped--but it has to be cut somehow or you will never get it on!

 

[noneckrex]

Sorry no computer. Doing everything via the iPhone. But that link is a pic of the rack bushing.
http://i.imgur.com/Ay0BZl.jpg

 

[jac100]

That's normal

It looks weird, but that's right.

 

[noneckrex]

thanks, i was going to do it this weekend but held off cause i never would have thought it to look like that. hope to get it done this week.

 

[theizzardking]

so , i'm looking to do this at the same time as my lower ball joints and taco tie rod ends, one other thing i'm wondering about is since i'm there can i/should i replace the steering coupler bushing as well? it seems like that would make a big difference in how the steering wheel feels as well....any comments or links to how to do this and what part to order.... i'm talking about the bushing that sits between the steering shaft and the steering rack...

 

[Wizzle]

Ordering the Wheeler's kit tomorrow and doing this as soon as it gets in. Hopefully this will fix my highway vibrations and wandering. Will post back results.

 

[Wizzle]

I have another question about this..Is an alignment necessary after this install? I feel like I have read somewhere that it needs to be done, but I can't seem to find anything about it now.

 

[cordrayj1]

so , i'm looking to do this at the same time as my lower ball joints and taco tie rod ends, one other thing i'm wondering about is since i'm there can i/should i replace the steering coupler bushing as well? it seems like that would make a big difference in how the steering wheel feels as well....any comments or links to how to do this and what part to order.... i'm talking about the bushing that sits between the steering shaft and the steering rack...

Interesting thoughts. I may look into that as well.

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