Replacing rack and pinion bushings w/o removing it

[bebenecio]

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

I understand your suggestion is b/c these are less affected by oil/grease than the OEM rubber...but are these also stiffer since they're poly bushings?

 

[mercdudecbr600]

You’ll need to either get super creative with disassembly, or it’s probably easier to just pull or partially drop the front diff.

That’s the bushing job included.

At least with early kjs, The ps hose does a weird loop across the lower radiator support - not sure why, new hoses are shorter and omit that loop. I had a leak in that hose and it shot fluid at pressure across the engine bay. Point is, check the hose.

 

[RenKJ]

I understand your suggestion is b/c these are less affected by oil/grease than the OEM rubber...but are these also stiffer since they're poly bushings?

They are a bit stiffer and they will likely last for the life of the rack

 

[bebenecio]

I

You’ll need to either get super creative with disassembly, or it’s probably easier to just pull or partially drop the front diff.

That’s the bushing job included.

At least with early kjs, The ps hose does a weird loop across the lower radiator support - not sure why, new hoses are shorter and omit that loop. I had a leak in that hose and it shot fluid at pressure across the engine bay. Point is, check the hose.

I'm looking to replace everything, don't know if that's overkill. Should I replace rack, hoses (pressure and return), pump w/reservoir, end tie rods, and bushings?

 

[lfhoward]

X2 on the Creative Steel steering rack bushings. Such a huge improvement over the worn-out stock ones! The Jeep is more solid and the handling is better. It is easier to keep a straight line on the highway. (And yes, the stock bushings would have to be absolutely shot.)

 

[u2slow]

I'm looking to replace everything, don't know if that's overkill. Should I replace rack, hoses (pressure and return), pump w/reservoir, end tie rods, and bushings?

Sounds overkill.

I have spare tie-rods, but haven't needed them. Bushings were cheap and fairly easy to change. I've decided I'm not losing fluid fast enough to bother changing anything else yet.

 

[mercdudecbr600]

I

I'm looking to replace everything, don't know if that's overkill. Should I replace rack, hoses (pressure and return), pump w/reservoir, end tie rods, and bushings?

The hoses are a real pain to get out of the ram without more clearance. My suggestion is to replace everything you can while you’re there (front diff out). That also means motor mounts. Just my suggestion.