steering rack repair question

Hey friends, I had my steering rack replaced by a mechanic. It was loose and the tires were changing direction independent of each-other. This made a clunking noise and caused my tires to were down fast. It also put a lot of play in the steering and made for uneasy driving not knowing which way the truck was going to go. After the rack was replaced the klunking went away and the truck didn't change direction but there is still play in the steering wheel. When I checked my mechanic's work i crawled under the truck while it was running and twisted the steering shaft. What I saw was the rack float about 1/4" in each direction depending on which way I was twisting. My question is: Is the rack supposed to float/move in the rubber bushings? If not what do I have to do to make it right? Could this be the cause of steering play? The rack bolts are tight and the truck has been aligned.

Your answers are greatly appreciated. I live in rural VT and my web access is limited so please allow a few days for me to reply to your valuable feedback. Thanks

 

You want to do the " " and replace your steering rack bushings with

 

^^^^^This^^^^^. Energy suspension rack bushings from Wheelers off road. Atleast do the bushings, that will help a bunch.

 

^^ haha beat ya to it!

 

+1 on the bushings, i just changed mine and it made a big difference

 

thank you, this is extremely helpful! Do you have any tips for replacing the bushings?

 

Disconnect both tierods. May have cut out the bushings. Take your time. If you have a diff drop then you'll have to remove it in order to pull the drivers side bolt out. Torque to spec

 

FWIW, I only disconnected the driver's side tierod. it was helpful to have a friend help with maneuvering the rack around but it could be completed with one person, especially if you disconnect both tierods. my bushings were very worn and came out easy. i think i used a hammer and a socket. PB blaster on nuts and bolts the night before and day of

 

If you have a really hard time getting the LONG bolt out (that runs through the crossmember), it might be bent. Mine was - I had to cut it and take it out in two pieces.

 

I never disconnected tie rods. But I recommend the bushings! You will have to have an alignment afterward. (The truck) ha

 

why would you need an alignment??

 

I did the rack on my gen 1 twice by myself and found it easier to maneuver the rack in and out with the outer tie rods removed. If you can manage it without removing them you may not "need" an alignment, but for the peace of mind and life of the tires I'd get one anyway.

 

As long as the tierods arent turned or adjusted you shouldnt need an alignment

 

Thanks for this thread. I'm ordering bushings this week.

 

Awesome thread, thanks OP, and those who posted good info!

 

Has anyone had to replace a rack due to excessive play? I have play in my wheels that doesn't seem to be transmitted entirely to the other side, but it is moving the tie rods.

 

I did both bushings and the "tack-weld mod" on my "04. But, instead of welding, I drilled a hole in the steering column and put another spring pin in. This fixed the problem that you described on mine. To check for play in the steering column, reach under the dash and hold the steering column while moving the wheel back and forth. If you feel any play, it will causing "wondering" while driving it.

 

I get play in the front wheels while holding the steering wheel motionless against the wheel lock - so I think something in the rack (or possibly the shaft) is moving...I'll check the shaft. Thanks!

When I move one wheel, the other doesn't seem to move as much (so it seems like play inside the rack), but it's hard to tell.

 

Everyone be carefull on the tack weld mod. IIRC, the initial designe was to keep that shaft from ramming through your chest in a crash.

The tack well should be just enought to hold, but break in case of a crash.

Racer, If your pin is too strong, you run a (very small but very serious) risk of impailing yourself.

Just something for everyone to keep in mind.