Replacing rack and pinion bushings w/o removing it

[spideyrdr]

Hi folks,

I'm in the process of rejuvenating my 2005 KJ so my daughter can drive it. I have the parts to replace darn near everything that goes up-and-down on the front end since most of the bushings and ball joints are now ~20 years old.

Anyway, my question is, can I replace the rack and pinion bushings while I have the tie rods disconnected? I was hoping I could do it while I was in the there anyway, but I have not worked on rack and pinion setup so I don't know how the bushing replacement would work.

Any insight into it would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[lfhoward]

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Here is what you need to know!

 

[spideyrdr]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Here is what you need to know!

I was actually watching that video yesterday and reached the conclusion that - well, I couldn't conclude if I could JUST do the bushings.

I'll have everything off including the LCA's (which I am replacing entirely) so I think I should be able to at least raise the rack up enough to swap out the bushings but that's what I am trying to find out.

 

[lfhoward]

If I remember correctly there are some examples on here of folks replacing the bushings without removing the rack from the vehicle. Wish I could remember who!

 

[u2slow]

I changed those rack bushings pretty easy. Maybe 30 mins?

Was a while ago, so I'm fuzzy on the details, but I do know the two rack bolts are the only thing I undid. Bushings slid in/out with my fingers only.

 

[spideyrdr]

I changed those rack bushings pretty easy. Maybe 30 mins?

Was a while ago, so I'm fuzzy on the details, but I do know the two rack bolts are the only thing I undid. Bushings slid in/out with my fingers only.

Thanks my friend! I ended up ordering new bushings on the hope it'll be doable once I'm in there. The power steering system has leaked all over the driver's side bushing so it really is due to be replaced.

I appreciate your feedback!

 

[ikuo78]

Create Steel had replacement procedures.
I'm not sure if they're still posted on their website.
It looks like you need to remove the differential mount, steering shaft and tie rod end.

 

[spideyrdr]

Create Steel had replacement procedures.
I'm not sure if they're still posted on their website.
It looks like you need to remove the differential mount, steering shaft and tie rod end.

Thanks for the install PDF. I can see why they might do it that way - drop the diff and pull the steering rack back - but I can't figure out why if both tie rods are disconnected per their instructions why you wouldn't just shift the steering gear up a bit to swap the bushings.

I will give it a go next weekend - this weekend is dedicated to overhauling the entire AC system and a power steering pump replacement.

 

[mercdudecbr600]

During a regear operation with the front diff out, I plan to do this job too. Let us know how it goes!

 

[duderz7]

During a regear operation with the front diff out, I plan to do this job too. Let us know how it goes!

That's what I did, it was silly easy. It's also a good time to replace engine mounts while the diff is out.

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look all this room to work. If your oil pan is questionable, do that too. Mine was great.

 

[mercdudecbr600]

Oh ya. Hadn’t considered engine mounts… those are original and I’m guessing in not good shape.

 

[duderz7]

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filled mine with 3m window weld. I go back and forth on weather or not I like it. You can feel the engine at idle from the driver seat. It really stiffened them up.

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before filling the voids.

 

[KJowner]

I've wondered about doing that to the rear lower arm bushes. Don't know if you can get CT1 or an equivalent it's way better than silicone, sticks virtually anything to anything!

 

[sota]

I just window welded the front and rear engine mounts on the kid's sebring convertible. just discovered the rear was completely torn, and the front was on its way out again. this after the replacement front mount went out after only 1500 miles the first time. the rear made it 13k miles but was probably bad long before then. doesn't help the torque dampener is totally shot and an unobtainium part.

 

[KJowner]

You can buy polyurethane bar stock and machine any bush you need

 

[bebenecio]

Hi everyone, I was reading through this thread b/c I have an issue. My 2005 Liberty Sport 3.7L V6 manual started have a rough time steering suddenly and when I looked it was leaking. I checked the power steering tank and it was empty. I looked the best I could without getting under the car, and see the leak is coming from passenger's side. Most probably the steering rack? I started to research and some suggest it's better to replace the whole rack and pinion? vs just replacing the seals?

Not sure if it's important or not, car has 46k on it.

Thanks.

 

[u2slow]

I had a leak from the passenger side of the rack too. By the time i got the spare rack pulled from my parts jeep (few months) the leak had stopped.

So I'm at 317,000km on the original rack and pump; and one change of the lines (that now leak again). I estimate I add a couple tablespoons of ps fluid every year. I'm just gonna keep on till something truly gives up.

 

[bebenecio]

I had a leak from the passenger side of the rack too. By the time i got the spare rack pulled from my parts jeep (few months) the leak had stopped.

So I'm at 317,000km on the original rack and pump; and one change of the lines (that now leak again). I estimate I add a couple tablespoons of ps fluid every year. I'm just gonna keep on till something truly gives up.

Just to have an idea...how hard of a job is it to switch out the steering rack and pinion? And how long does it take?

I don't have a lift, but do have jack stands and a floor jack.

 

[u2slow]

Start to finish, i can't say. I had much of the parts jeep in pieces before i pulled the rack. All done on the ground... no lift.

 

[RenKJ]

It is possible to change the bushings without fully removing the rack, just a little tricky

I recommend replacing with these since oil tends to get on them

2002-2007 Jeep Liberty (KJ) Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushings

Fix loose steering on 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty models. Our polyurethane steering rack bushings resist fluid damage & replace worn OEM rubber.

creative-steel.com