Steering Rack Movement

So I’ve heard both opinions. Some say that tiny movement in steering rack is acceptable. Some say that any movement whatsoever is unacceptable. I’m just trying to figure if in the movement in my steering rack is acceptable or not.

here are the 2 angles from both bushings off of my truck

if you think it’s worth changing out the bushings please let me know what brand recommendations you have

https://youtube.com/shorts/GQxLuGdsu80?si=WH-NfHEpVscJWIE7
https://youtube.com/shorts/m2kxHqVkJ1U?si=sZUsjyVGJert069s

 

If they didn’t want any movement, they wouldn’t have used rubber bushings. Don’t listen to whoever told you that.

Your movement looks “normal” for an 8 year old tuck. Eventually you may want to change the bushings. Or you could be like most people and never change them. Eventually the rack will leak or the bushing will fail completely and “knock” when turning the steering wheel.

I’d advise you not to wait that long.

 

Thats precisely why I’m checking out the steering rack. Started getting a light grinding noise that I can feel through the steering wheel when I make a SLOW turn. Nothing too loud but still abnormal. I noticed my steering fluid was just below the minimum but just barely. I don’t see any leaked anywhere. I have a feeling the grinding is coming internally from the rack.

 

The fluid will leak into the boots on the steering rack first.
The boots will hold fluid until enough leaks to start coming out of the boot at the tie rod.
You might give the boots a squeeze and see what happens. Sometimes you can/see the fluid at the boot end.