Definitive steering rack bushing replacement guide?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

u2slow

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
656
Reaction score
107
Location
BC
I took out the two rack bolts and that let me raise it enough to push the bad bushing out with my fingers. Stuff in bushing and put the 2 bolts back in.
 

oblivionnewtonjohn

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2017
Messages
117
Reaction score
6
Location
Decatur, AL
This bushing? You were able to push it out and fir it back in without balljoint press?



You must be registered for see images attach
 

u2slow

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
656
Reaction score
107
Location
BC
This bushing? You were able to push it out and fir it back in without balljoint press?



You must be registered for see images attach

Yes. No press used. It was all mushy from oil exposure. Popped it out with my thumb. New one went almost as easy.
 

HoosierJeeper

Gold Supporter/Admin
Staff member
Administrator
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
20,855
Reaction score
266
Location
Western WI
I took out the two rack bolts and that let me raise it enough to push the bad bushing out with my fingers. Stuff in bushing and put the 2 bolts back in.

Did you have to pop the tie rod ends out of the knuckle to get it up enough?
 

JasonJ

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Messages
1,521
Reaction score
51
Location
Michigan
I need to do this as well.. my left bushing has been shot for a LONG time.. pretty sure that's what's causing a click/clunk noise in the steering since I got the thing in 2009.
 

jeeptorino68

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2011
Messages
927
Reaction score
77
Location
Oregon
What is the best bushing brand /type to use here?
Surprisingly looks like my passenger side is failing first. But the driver side is soft feeling too....
 

ltd02

Comfortably numb
KJ Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
2,695
Reaction score
238
Location
North Central Maryland
I think others have asked about the poly option and the answer was none available. Anyone know if that's changed?
 

HoosierJeeper

Gold Supporter/Admin
Staff member
Administrator
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
20,855
Reaction score
266
Location
Western WI
I just checked yesterday and didn't see any. I just ordered McQuay-Norris ones from Rockauto for $4 each on closeout. I figured at worst they'll be bad as the Moog ones but maybe they'll be better. We'll see.
 

Aceofspades

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2017
Messages
803
Reaction score
107
Location
Buffalo
So you’re saying these just slip and and out? I was under the impression there was a lot more involved and been waiting until I had a few hours of free time to devote to jeep BS
 

HoosierJeeper

Gold Supporter/Admin
Staff member
Administrator
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
20,855
Reaction score
266
Location
Western WI
They should slip in and out just fine, the only part of it that concerns me if lifting the rack up enough to get them out, since they slide in from the bottom. But it sounds like there's enough room to do it if you pull both the bolts out. And worst case you could always disconnect the tie rod ends.
 

Aceofspades

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2017
Messages
803
Reaction score
107
Location
Buffalo
Yea I call BS. The inner tie rod arms (the part covered by the boot) stops the rack from raising up more then like a couple inches. Even with outer rod ends disconnected.
Waiting to hear the secret / tip I may be missing here ?
 

tommudd

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 14, 2005
Messages
22,456
Reaction score
3,642
Location
Southeastern Ohio
Have to laugh how easy everyone makes it sound.
Trust me, they do not always slip in and out easily, out of the 10-12 I've done maybe half were easy, rest of them wanted to stay put and they fought hard to stay there
 

Aceofspades

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2017
Messages
803
Reaction score
107
Location
Buffalo
I see the MOOG bushing has a “squishy” softer rubber bushing over the metal. Soft enough you can peel it off
The generic brand the rubber is hard/ stiff doesn’t move.


And yes. I haven’t looked up how exactly to remove them but I know even after removing the 24mm nut and bolt the rack doesn’t move enough. Getting something down there to press them in and out seems ridiculous. Not sayin you can’t do it but it doesn’t seem like it’s an in and out job ;)
 

HoosierJeeper

Gold Supporter/Admin
Staff member
Administrator
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
20,855
Reaction score
266
Location
Western WI
I wonder if you disconnect the outer tie rod ends, pull the front sway bar off if there’s enough room to rotate the rack so the bottom is facing the front of the Jeep. Any thoughts?
 

Latest posts

Members online

Top