Steering Rack Movement

[Mudeprived]

How much is acceptable?

I put in a brand new rack (Detroit Axle) a little over a year ago. It came with new rubber bushings installed and I re-used my 2 month old Poly bushings on the passenger side. I have been noticing quite a bit of steering wobble when going over bumps and uneven pavement. Today I was under there fixing a U-joint and noticed some shiny spots to the left and right of the vertical poly bushing. The rack is covered in oil and grime from my valve covers, which I have been using as rust-proofing, so the clean spots made me suspicious. My lady was steering back and forth and I could see the steering rack move about 1/8" both ways. I think this is too much but is it?

I know rubber has some give but this seems a bit excessive for being fairly new.

I still have the poly bushings in the OEM rack downstairs so I plan to swap them in if needed.

 

[aontkos]

Engine oil can deteriorate the rubber bushings surprisingly fast.

I’d swap the rubber bushings for the poly ones and then find a different method for rust proofing :wink2:

 

[MaineRunna]

They do move quite a bit when the vehicle is stationary especially if you have oversized tires. If you want less flex go to poly bushings.

 

[jgue467]

I'd recommend a complete new kit. https://www.amazon.com/4Runner-Taco...5------------&vehicleName=2001+Toyota+4Runner

enjoy the runner.

:cowboy:

 

[gamefreakgc]

Movement is bad and will only get worse as those bushings wear out.

 

[Mudeprived]

Turns out it was the bushings in the rack. They appeared to be too soft for what they are intended for or just wore out. I could push em into moving with my finger.

I swapped in the poly bushings and everything is tight now. The wobble is gone.

 

[mtbtim]

Engine oil can deteriorate the rubber bushings surprisingly fast.

I’d swap the rubber bushings for the poly ones and then find a different method for rust proofing :wink2:

I agree with this. I don't think using leaking valve covers as your rust proofing is the best idea. Replace your valve cover gaskets and associated parts so everything under your engine isn't covered in engine oil all the time.

By the way, even with poly bushings, the steering rack will move a little on the cross member with steering input.

 

[Mudeprived]

The rust proofing thing was a joke fyi. Technically it is helping while it leaks but it's not intentional. I am waiting for an extended weekend to fix the VC gaskets.

I am going through a refinance with the house and it taking up all my spare time. USDA loans are picky!