Steering rack bushings replacement

[MuddyButt]

Ive looked through a few threads on replacing the steering rack bushings but in most of them it looks like they only take the three bolts out in order to get the steering rack to come out far enough in order to get the bushings out.

My question is. when I remove the three bolts, why cant I pull the steering rack out far enough to get the rubber bushings out? Do I need to disconnect a/or both tie rod ends? Or am I missing something else? Like I said the threads I looked through make it seem like its just the 3 bolts... Anyone wannna help a me out?

 

[IsaiahC]

Watch this video: http://youtu.be/YywcR0E9bM4
I did my bushings last week and that video made it a breeze. To answer your question, you need to detach one of the outer tie rod ends and there is also a bracket on the inside of the frame by the oil filter that needs to be taken out.

 

[fblainen11]

I was able to replace mine only removing the three bolts. It moved enough to let the bushings out. Be sure to remove all three before attempting to remove bushings. Windex helps a ton!!

 

[Kanoe]

I agree. No need to undo tie rod ends. I just lifted the front tires off the ground enough so they would swing free and inward. Worked for me.

 

[TheDurk]

I agree. No need to undo tie rod ends. I just lifted the front tires off the ground enough so they would swing free and inward. Worked for me.

Me, too.

 

[mtbtim]

Watch this video: http://youtu.be/YywcR0E9bM4
I did my bushings last week and that video made it a breeze. To answer your question, you need to detach one of the outer tie rod ends and there is also a bracket on the inside of the frame by the oil filter that needs to be taken out.

This video referenced is the one [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I did together. We decided to disconnect the driver's side tie rod because it was recommended in the directions supplied by Energy Suspension and we also saw another video on YouTube where the guy said disconnecting the tie rod made it easier. Apparently people on this forum have had success without disconnecting it. If you have a puller or can rent one, I would suggest disconnecting it because I was able to manipulate the rack wherever I needed to while doing the removal and replacement. Nothing was fighting me. It's also necessary to disconnect that bracket on the driver side frame that holds the power steering lines to get more movement of the rack. If you watch the video, you'll see what we're talking about. Remember to lock your steering wheel before you start. Good luck!

 

[eurasiaoverland]

I just traced a clonking in my steering to the rack bushes, was going to put it on the huge list of parts I need to order for my rebuild (JDM Hilux Surf RZN185) when I saw in the EPC that two of the three bushes are not supplied by Toyota as separate items, and it's one of the two which are not sold separately that has gone.

Since this vehicle is very rare here in Europe, I'll most likely end up ordering from the US, so can anyone recommend me a good quality bush set?? I see Dorman bushes on ebay, not a brand we get here... are they any good? Are there better ones?

Thanks!

 

[TheDurk]

I just traced a clonking in my steering to the rack bushes, was going to put it on the huge list of parts I need to order for my rebuild (JDM Hilux Surf RZN185) when I saw in the EPC that two of the three bushes are not supplied by Toyota as separate items, and it's one of the two which are not sold separately that has gone.

Since this vehicle is very rare here in Europe, I'll most likely end up ordering from the US, so can anyone recommend me a good quality bush set?? I see Dorman bushes on ebay, not a brand we get here... are they any good? Are there better ones?

Thanks!

I used the Wheeler polyurethane kit. Worked great.

Steering Rack Bushing Kit for 95-00 Tacoma and 96-02 4Runner

 

[Tucson4runner]

I used the Wheeler polyurethane kit. Worked great.

Steering Rack Bushing Kit for 95-00 Tacoma and 96-02 4Runner

Does this kit include all bushings? I thought there were several others needed. Could be wrong though.

 

[csp]

It includes all bushings needed for the steering rack.

Amazon has them too.

 

[TheDurk]

Does this kit include all bushings? I thought there were several others needed. Could be wrong though.

Yup. All three for the rack. Not end link bushings, if that is what you are thinking.

 

[Tucson4runner]

Yup. All three for the rack. Not end link bushings, if that is what you are thinking.

End links for the sway bar correct? If so I've got no sway bars so I'm set.

 

[TheDurk]

End links for the sway bar correct? If so I've got no sway bars so I'm set.

Correct.

 

[mtbtim]

I just traced a clonking in my steering to the rack bushes, was going to put it on the huge list of parts I need to order for my rebuild (JDM Hilux Surf RZN185) when I saw in the EPC that two of the three bushes are not supplied by Toyota as separate items, and it's one of the two which are not sold separately that has gone.

Since this vehicle is very rare here in Europe, I'll most likely end up ordering from the US, so can anyone recommend me a good quality bush set?? I see Dorman bushes on ebay, not a brand we get here... are they any good? Are there better ones?

Thanks!

I used a polyurethane kit from Energy Suspension. Part #8.10103. Comes in black or red color. It was a good fit.

Here's a link: Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner Steering Rack Bushings Kit

Also, here's a video [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I did for this job. I don't know if you have places over on your side of the pond that does free equipment rentals so you might either have to buy your own tools or press out the bushings a different way than we did. But regardless of the tools we used, I think you'll get some good info from our video.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YywcR0E9bM4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[eurasiaoverland]

Thanks for the link to the video. I managed to source a poly bush kit locally and will be fitting it. I've hammered out the larger of the two bushes, but will use a puller to push out the smaller one.

 

[Scramble]

I got the kit from Wheelers last April & they send you a little bag of candy to suck on while you're working. I installed new OTRE's at the same time so I guess it was a little easier for me with the old ones off. It WAS a ***** bolting back together with the new bushings in place.

Probably the best $20 I've ever spent in my life. My steering is like new again.

 

[JKD]

Watch this video: http://youtu.be/YywcR0E9bM4
I did my bushings last week and that video made it a breeze. To answer your question, you need to detach one of the outer tie rod ends and there is also a bracket on the inside of the frame by the oil filter that needs to be taken out.

Great video, need to do mine (one bushing is shot and the others are worn).....I hate climbing under my truck lately ;-)

Tim the Tool Man strikes again!

Thanks.