Steering rack bushings

GregScuba · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:58 pm

What does it take to replace them? The FSM gives absolutely no detail on this topic other than removing the entire rack.

Please tell me it can be done without removing the entire rack (which involves first dropping the axle).

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 1:47 pm

GregScuba wrote:

What does it take to replace them? The FSM gives absolutely no detail on this topic other than removing the entire rack.

Please tell me it can be done without removing the entire rack (which involves first dropping the axle).

The rack needs to come out of the vehicle,trust me I have tried to replace them without removing the rack,it can't be done since the bushing are a very tight fitting.

The service manual also states that the rack must be removed,at least my manual for my '02.

GregScuba · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:52 pm

Thank you. Well, looks like I'm going to have dedicate a weekend to this project.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 4:05 pm

GregScuba wrote:

Thank you. Well, looks like I'm going to have dedicate a weekend to this project.

Sucks doesn't it,and for only $20 in parts.

GregScuba · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 6:45 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

Sucks doesn't it,and for only $20 in parts.

Sure does. I got Spicer Professional grade replacements in hopes that they will hold up better. I'm also not beating so hard on my baby any more.

Are there any tips you can possibly offer to make the job go smoother?

BeepBeepJeepJeep · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:19 pm

How do you know when these bushings are bad?

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:29 pm

BeepBeepJeepJeep wrote:

How do you know when these bushings are bad?

When you get play in the steering and it's not the tie-rod ends(inner/outer).

BeepBeepJeepJeep · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:36 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

BeepBeepJeepJeep wrote:

How do you know when these bushings are bad?

When you get play in the steering and it's not the tie-rod ends(inner/outer).

Thankya

jimjeep0 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:28 pm

Are these the rubber bushings that hold rack down? Mine look shot, but no extrea steering play(yet).
I was hoping it would be easier.
Thanks

GregScuba · **Posted:** Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:36 pm

jimjeep0 wrote:

Are these the rubber bushings that hold rack down? Mine look shot, but no extrea steering play(yet).
I was hoping it would be easier.
Thanks

To answer your question, they don't literally hold the rack down, that's what the bolts that go through the bushings do. The bushings act as isolators. When they wear out, it gets sloppy, and noisy over bumps.

They are constructed from what looks like rubber, metal, and hard plastic.

Having a lift kit puts them under additional stress since it changes the angle of the tie rods from horizontal to pointing up from the wheels to the rack. So, whenever you hit a big harsh bump, the forces from the wheels are transmitted up into the steering rack through the tie rods, taking it's toll on the weakest link, the bushings.

Steering rack bushings

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