Steering rack bushings

I just received a new oem steering rack. Would you put new bushing in or keep the ones it came with? Someone said I should replace the factory bushing and I wanted more opinions.

 

If the new rack came with new OEM bushings, just run them. If you feel like there is excessive play (doubtful) then upgrade to the ES poly bushings.

 

Do what you feel you need to.

My Steering Rack bushings are fine 22 years later and 250,000 miles.

 

You didn't say from whom you bought the new "oem" rack. If you bought it from a Genuine Toyota Dealer, there is no need to replace the rack's bushings because they are brand new. If you want to bastardize your installation then by all means use ES bushings.

ES bushings = no play, no give. Might as well use solid steel "bushings". But the distinctive red color makes it look "cool" - a big bonus to those who like to blow their money away instead of maintaining a vehicle's safety and drivability.

 

OP,
If the bushings on your old steering rack were still good, then you probably don't need poly bushings. But skeezix's post above is correct: "ES bushings= no play, no give." I off-road my '97 Taco 4x4 150+ days a year. The original factory bushing on my steering rack were very sloppy after approx. 10 years, so were replaced with ES bushings. When I replaced my original 25-year-old steering rack last summer, I changed out the new OEM bushings for the used ES bushings and called it done. As you can see, the used ES bushings were still in very serviceable shape after 15 years of abuse & will almost certainly last longer than I will. .02

 

I bought the rack from McGregor toyota. I had no intention of swapping the bushing because I figured they would be fine until someone mentioned it so I thought I would ask. I appreciate your advice guys.

 

My steering rack came from McGeorge also & was not centered when it arrived. It was knocked off of center by rough handling during shipping. Every time the rack hit either end of the box, it was moved off center. Making sure both the rack and the steering wheel are centered before installation makes it all easy. Good luck with your install!

EDIT: This is also a great time to remove the PS reservoir, clean the internal screen, change the O ring on the bottom of the reservoir (90301-11016/90080-30034), and flush the PS system.

 

If you do any amount of off-roading/run larger tires, I would swap to poly bushings before installing.

 

I am turning this from more of daily driver to more of a camping rig. I have a set of engery suspension I ordered because i needed the big loop and wanted an upgrade for that piece.

 

EDIT: This is also a great time to remove the PS reservoir, clean the internal screen, change the O ring on the bottom of the reservoir (90301-11016/90080-30034), and flush the PS system.[/QUOTE]

That is first on the todo list this morning, not a job im.looking forward to lol

 

Best method getting the new bushing out so I can put the energy suspension ones in? And yes, I bought the red because you said I would be if I did

 

Out of curiosity.....how old are the power steering hoses....
Those are like a $300 bill all by themselves......
you know the ones that disintegrate into little rubber balls on the inside......


This is what I used on mine......

$81 Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Press Kit, 21-Piece Master Ball Joint Removal Tool with C-Frame, Heavy-Duty Brake Anchor Pin U Joint Ball Joint Press Tool for 2WD and 4WD Cars

Amazon.com: Orion Motor Tech Master Ball Joint Press Kit & U-Joint Puller Service Tool Set 21PCS - Upper and Lower Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit for Ball Joint Service with C-Press : Automotive

 

They are original but look good still. I'll at them closely tomorrow. Thanks

 

When did you order your rack? I’ve been waiting on one for months

 

The new 44250-35042 OEM Toyota steering rack ordered from McGeorge last June arrived in just 2 days via FEDEX. They show in stock now for $495 with FREESHIP.