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Steering Rack Bushing Install

18K views 17 replies 8 participants last post by  positron  
#1 · (Edited)
I took a few pics when I installed my Energy Suspension steering rack bushings today. It was a easy install, takes about 30-40 minutes without any complications. I took a drive across town after the install and I could feel a difference in the steering with the new bushings. It was tighter and more responsive.

Tools required:
Jackstands
Socket wrench
17mm deep well socket and an extension
pry bar
breaker bar
bar of soap(to wash mouth out after cursing the world and all in it while you're trying to slide the drivers side bushing into place!)
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Pry bar
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Breaker bar
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17mm deep well socket with extension.
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You can get at the bolts from the bottom of the steering rack. You'll need the extension to get at the higher bolt.
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After removing the bolts, take the clamp off so you can get to the steering rack bushing.
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Here's the clamp and the bolts.
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Next, you use the pry bar to move the rack up maybe half an inch or so then you can slide the bushing out and replace it with the new bushing. I thought this would be the difficult part but the steering rack is very light. Sidenote: Lubing up the drivers side bushing with WD-40 or something similiar will make it easier to slide into place.
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The new Energy Suspension bushings...could a sprung for the Nismo but I'm cheap!
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Here's a pic of the old passenger side bushing next to the new passenger side bushing. Old and busted...new flyness!
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Here's a pic of the old drivers side bushing next to the new drivers side bushing. It was in bad shape literally coming apart. I guess the bracket was holding it together hence the slop in my steering.
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Finished product. Now just rinse and repeat this procedure for the drivers side and you done. It may take you a couple of tries to move the drivers side bushing into it's correct place but you'll get it. Torque the bolts/nuts down to 65-80 ft.lbs. (88-108Nm) You may need an alignment afterwards also.
 
#8 ·
Don't know how much caster I was running. I finished the front and now I'm working on the rear suspension. Then I'll get new tires and a much needed alignment.
 
#10 ·
so i put mine in today, and the driver side clamp doesn't bolt up all the way snug like it did when i came off. I drove it with the bolt holding it in, but i guess i put that one on backwards? there is a groove on the bottom and the tear drop goes upwards to the engine...... so i dunno i am going to try and get at it tommorow. hopefully nothing falls apart. lol :rotflmao
 
#11 ·
Yeah, the passenger side went in like butter but I spent some time trying to manuever the drivers side into the right place. That damn tear!
 
#15 ·
He speaks the truth I forgot about that. Lube it up. I ended up macing the bushing with WD-40 and, after playing around with it, getting it in to place.
 
#16 ·
ok well i wish i had read or thought about the wd-40 before this morning.... but i got it on, there still is kinda a gap on the drivers side, but the bolts are as snug and tight as i can get them. it should be good. i don't see this part comming loose any time soon. i just took the bracket off and repositioned it so that i get better threading.... ill probably go back to it when i get my new shocks and struts in... thanks for the help.