Steering bushings

I just installed Bilstein 5100s on my 2011 Toyota Tacoma and took it in to get an alignment. The garage told me that they could not align it because my steering bushings need to be replaced. They told me that this is a difficult process for the 2011 Tacoma and It would end up costing me a lot. I was wondering if replacing the bushings was something I could do myself or if I should just suck it up and pay them to do it.

 

I'm assuming they mean the adjustment cam bolts on the lower control arms have rusted to the steel sleeve in the bushing. You could try some penetrating fluid and a hammer to drive them out (or at least loosen them). If you can't get them free, only thing to do is use a saw and cut the bolts, remove the LCAs, and replace the bushings. I believe they are pressed in; so you need a ball joint press or hydraulic press (or take it to a shop to press out).

 

^^either this above or did they mean the bushing on the power steering rack unit
See the movement on this one...
https://youtu.be/vMPTYClg4w0

Here's how to replace ... the pain Is getting the unit out. Here
https://youtu.be/j1Dj_f49MN0

 

Thank you I'm pretty sure they meant the power steering rack.

 

I need to have my Steering rack checked. I can get a proper alignment, but some days I feel like my front wheels are off doing their own thing, other days it's fine.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-v6-tacoma-steering-rack-bushing-replacement.289436/

I did mine in a few hours. It's kind of a pain in the ass, but not the worst job I've done. Getting the old bushings out took the longest. An air chisel made it doable. I don't know if I could have done it without that.

 

Is there a noticeable difference when upgrading to a poly bushing for these? I came from a 2011 BMW M3 and really miss the solid steering feel. Obviously it is apples and oranges but the steering on the Tacoma is so sloppy and loose.

 

Not as easy as the video shows...video is not 2nd gen. Air chisel is needed. Once disconnected(not to difficult)the rack can be a challenge to remove from vehicle. Scale of 1-10, id give it a 5. Definitely a big change with the poly bushings. If you have the tools and have wrenched before its doable.

 

Dropping tranny cross member gives you a lot more room to work with
I just replaced my rack and getting it out wasn't fun

 

You can burn out the old rubber bushings with a propane torch. Just don't let your neighbors find out, and don't breath the fumes.

I read various reviews here and elsewhere on the energy suspension bushings - most people don't really notice a difference from the descriptions provided... so this isn't really an upgrade to do when your bored. But if your OEM bushings are trashed and impeding a true alignment, then go for it.

 

Rack bushings are known to fail and cause a wander on the highway. This was a big issue in the first gen tacos, 4runners, tundras, and sequoias. I haven't seen it as bad in the second gens.

 

I did the R&P swap (but left the new OEM bushings in) and it was pretty difficult. Doable, but took quite awhile.

 

I thought my original bushings were shot because there was movement. After putting the ES bushings in I still had movement. Maybe not quite as much, but there was still movement. I didn't notice a difference in the way the truck drives or feels.