Definitive steering rack bushing replacement guide?

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u2slow

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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

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This bushing? You were able to push it out and fir it back in without balljoint press?



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u2slow

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This bushing? You were able to push it out and fir it back in without balljoint press?



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

HoosierJeeper

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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

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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

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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

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I think others have asked about the poly option and the answer was none available. Anyone know if that's changed?
 

HoosierJeeper

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?
 
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