Rack replacement

[Dane]

My bushings on my rack and pinion are basically gone. One of the looks like it’s pancaking out of the bottom, there’s fluid residue on the boot covers of the tie rods.

I’ve watched a couple videos and done some reading online and in the Haynes manual. Seems like I could take it out the left side but will have to remove the front lower control bolts to access the bolts behind. I know it will need an alignment afterwards.

Recommendations on which rack to get?

Is this a job I should attempt or should I let a shop do it?

 

[dchadjohnson]

I just installed the Creative Steel poly bushings - not a bad job really. got it done by myself along with new lower ball joints and brake pads all in one morning/afternoon

 

[DadOSix]

I just installed the Creative Steel poly bushings - not a bad job really. got it done by myself along with new lower ball joints and brake pads all in one morning/afternoon

Did you take the rack all the way out of the jeep or just slide forward and work it still in the vehicle?

 

[Noclutch]

Did you take the rack all the way out of the jeep or just slide forward and work it still in the vehicle?

Doing the same job also I will like to know

 

[tommudd]

You do not need to fully remove the rack
Plus if you do you do not need to remove or move the Lower Control Arm
Remove the tie rods from the knuckle and that will give you enough wiggle room to move it around

Haynes and Chiltons are only about 10% right on most of their content

 

[Noclutch]

I found the link to the thread on the temporary fix to this issue is it worth doing

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I found the link to the thread on the temporary fix to this issue is it worth doing

Could be. Doesn't last long for me and you need to make sure that if you put anything under the rack, you do it on both bushings or you will mess up your alignment.

 

[DadOSix]

I've got them new fangled plastic bushings sitting in my garage.

Just waiting for my 04 to come home to get it done.

 

[dchadjohnson]

Did you take the rack all the way out of the jeep or just slide forward and work it still in the vehicle?

sorry I'm just now responding - I did not take the rack all the way off and I did not mess with the steering shaft as recommended by some. Just undo the tie rod ends and the two big rack bolts and you should be able to wiggle it around to make it work.

 

[DadOSix]

sorry I'm just now responding - I did not take the rack all the way off and I did not mess with the steering shaft as recommended by some. Just undo the tie rod ends and the two big rack bolts and you should be able to wiggle it around to make it work.

Thanks!

 

[Noclutch]

I