Steering Rack Bushings

Here is how I replaced the Steering Rack Bushings on my 2003 Taco.

Tools:
-Jack and Jack Stand
-Ratchet
-10mm Socket
-19mm Socket
-22mm Socket
-22mm Combination Wrench
-Crescent Wrench
-Breaker Bar
-Punch
-Dead Blow Hammer
-Mini Sledge Hammer
-Channel Locks
-Flat Head Screwdriver

I also used some PB Blaster on the fasteners and some Silicone spray on the bushings.



I started by raising the front end and placing it on jack stands. On to removal of the passenger side bushing using the 19mm socket.



Once the upper nut and the lower bolt were out I removed the stud from the upper portion of the passenger bushing using a 10mm.



I then removed the fastener from the middle bushing using a 19mm.



And finally the nut and bolt from the driver side bushing using a 22mm.



Once the fasteners were removed I was able to separate the steering rack from its mounts.



I Started with removing the passenger bushing by rotating the bracket and bushing then pulled it downward. I cleaned where the old bushing came in contact with the steering rack. Sprayed the new bushing with silicone and installed it onto the steering rack with the bracket.



I moved on to the driver side bushing next. Using a screwdriver between the forward portion of the bushing/washer and the steering rack, I pried the bushing enough to get a combination wrench inserted and was able to work out the bushing with the combination wrench and some determination. (sorry I don't have a picture of this. This required both hands and a few curse words)



The only bushing that was left was the middle. I used a punch and a few solid hits to get the middle bushing to start coming out. Once it cooperated, I was able to use channel locks to get it the rest of the way out.



Now the easy part right? nope.. Getting the middle bushing halves started was a chore. It took a little trimming on the edges and a dousing of silicone. Once the middle bushings were started along with the metal sleeve, I used a bolt, nut and some washers to squish it into place. (Take your time during this or one of the bushings can get pushed in at an angle and you'll have to take it out and start over. Trust me I know.)




The driver side was similar to the middle. I had to trim the edges to get it started and use a bolt, nut and washers to seat the bushing.



After the bushings were complete, I aligned the steering rack to install the stud on the passenger side. I then pushed the steering rack into it's mounts enough to where I was able to get the driver and passenger side fasteners started. I used my three hands to walk the steering rack into position and installed the middle bushing fastener.



The 19mm fasteners receive a torque of 123 ft/lbs. 22mm fasteners are 141 ft/lbs.



when it was all said and done I was very pleased to drive down the road, hit a pot hole or two and not feel my steering wheel rattle like the front suspension was about to fall off my truck. I hope you folks enjoy.

 

Nice write-up! What made you think they needed replacement? Is there a urethane bushing kit? I have an '04 with 150K miles on it, and now I am wondering if these are worn out on mine.

 

Awesome write up! Top notch.

Thanks!

 

Thank you. When I first bought the truck I had a full inspection done and this was one of the issues. I was told that the passenger side bushing tends to go out before the other two but in my case I just replaced all bushings. A good way to inspect your steering rack bushings would be to raise the front end, physically wiggle one of your front tires while watching your steering rack. If the steering rack moves in its mounts I would replace the bushings. You can also try wiggling the steering rack by hand or hitting it with a rubber mallet to see if it moves.
The bushing kit I bought was from summit racing http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-905-401

 

So I had this done by a friend of a friend whos now gone. Now my steerting wheel isa few degrees off. Do i need an alignment or can I fix it? If so how?

 

That one is beyond my knowledge. if you can't find the answer on this forum i'd say seek the pros.

 

My steering wheel was off after replacing my rack bushings as well. I went ahead and got an alignment.
It's hard to assume both front wheels are still rolling evenly forward after putting new thicker, less worn and stronger bushings that slightly changed the position of the whole rack and front wheels.

 

take both tie rod ends lose and turn them one turn in on one side and one turn out on the other side to shift the steering wheel over a hair and fix the crooked steering wheel.

if your steering doesn't pull right now then this will fix it but if it pulls to one side they will straighten the wheel when they align it, just be sure to tell them its crooked so they make sure to check it

 

Ah your right!

 

Thanks for the write-up now that I need it!

 

How long did it take you to perform this repair/replacement of the bushings?

 

I did mine at 230,000 cause I was bored in my college auto shop. Here is all you need.

 

I just rolled 230K too - it was pulling to the passenger side when I was done wheeling over the weekend and the alignment shop informed me the bushings were shot.
I know what I am doing tonight!

 

This is first thread i seen where you take the studs themselves out. Others ive seen had to take sway bar off and even disconnect a tie rod to get them changed. Gona be putting poly bushings in mine tomorrow thanks for saving me the trouble!

 

Finished changing them after. Didnt have any problems. Changing the bushings made a hell of a difference in steering and feedback. If anybody sees play in their rack its well worth the $40 in bushings to replace.

 

Yes it is!

 

Energy Suspension has a set. That's what I used. Great quality easy to do.

Yes, I do an alignment after messing with adjustable things. I got the lifetime alignment at Firestone for $180. I've had four alignments so far. I get it done every 6 months.

 

Completed the bushing replacement. It was simple with the OP's write up!
The hardest part was torquing the bolts to specs!

 

How many hours should I allow for this project, minus any alignment/steering wheel straightening?

 

I did mine in an hour. Used big c clamp and sockets to remove and install bushings. (its easier if the front tires are off the ground so you dont have to move tires by hand to move rack around)