Steering rack bushing replacement help

[8100LT]

Any tips on replacing the steering rack bushings. Everyone of my friends and mechanics seems to think this is an overwhelming job. Now they have me scared!

Thanks in advance...

 

[LibertyTC]

They can be done in about 1 to 1.5 hours. Much easier on a lift.
I would consider the new poly bushings only, as the basic NAPA or Rubber ones can be damaged by oil/PS fluids easily.

Finally new poly bushings are now available here: https://creative-steel.com/shop/jee...berty-kj-polyurethane-steering-rack-bushings/
There is under "support" instruction about the poly bushings as well ^^^

Lost Jeeps on (3rd post down) also has info/ repair procedure here: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=47634
Hope this helps.

 

[jeeptorino68]

I have those bushings on my 02. Great parts and i got them quickly. Perfect fit. Kinda a tricky job. I kept the rack in the jeep so it was a bit of a wrestling match....

 

[JeepJeepster]

An air hammer made quick work of popping the old ones out of my steering rack. Put some silicone lube on the new ones and they went right in.

If you have HD cooling, removing the fan shroud and mech fan will help.

 

[8100LT]

I do have the poly bushings from Creative Steel. How hard is the steering linkage to disconnect/reconnect? It sure is in a tough place to work with. I need to just get in and do it, I'm in my "overthinking" mode.
Thanks for sharing the tips and links!

 

[JeepJeepster]

I found an 18mm crows foot made quick work of getting the lines off the rack. Ive done it without them, but its sure easier.

From what I recall, the bolt was tough to get off (locktite) but the steering linkage was easy to get off. I used locktite on the bolt when putting it back in and torqued it to spec.

 

[Offroad Bob]

You can change the bushings without removing the rack. I dropped the skid plate first. Then Dropped the swaybar and disconnected the links. Then we jacked up the drivers front wheel and took it off. Then Loosened the nut on drivers lower ball joint and ran it out until it was flush with the end of the stud. Then I took a 2lb shop hammer and stuck the nut squarely from the bottom twice and the tie rod end separated. Then take the 2 bolts on the rack loose. We used a couple of long extensions to get an air gun on the top of the bolts holding the rack in place. We held the nut from under the Jeep to remove them. We left the hoses hooked up.. then I used an 18-20” long big pair of channel locks and grabbed the rack from underneath and rolled the top of the rack towards the front of the Jeep. That let the bushings clear the frame mount. Then we used some more socket extensions and a socket that barely fit in the bushing hole and drove out the old bushings from the top as both of mine were inserted from the bottom. Some liberty’s I’ve heard have one bushing pushed in from the top and the other from the bottom. Once old bushings were out, took the new Moog ones and gave them a shot of WD40 and they slid right in. Then bolted the rack back down and reinstalled everything I had to take loose. Works it’s just aggravating as we did it with the Jeep on the ground. No lift to get it up in the air which would make it easier. Took us about 3 hrs with several beverage breaks

 

[Offroad Bob]

Remnants of one of the bushings

 

[JeepRat]

I have the control arms and steering knuckle removed from passenger side. I'm replacing control arms, tie rod end, and lower ball joint on the passenger side and the rubber 'washer' top of the bushings where the bold head sits are shredded.

I got the poly bushings from creative steel but I don't see how I'll get enough clearance to remove the old bushings. Lifting on the steering rack, I can only get a couple of inches clearance at most.

 

[duderz7]

I have the control arms and steering knuckle removed from passenger side. I'm replacing control arms, tie rod end, and lower ball joint on the passenger side and the rubber 'washer' top of the bushings where the bold head sits are shredded.

I got the poly bushings from creative steel but I don't see how I'll get enough clearance to remove the old bushings. Liting on the steering rack, I can only get a couple of inches clearance at most.

That's really about all you need. I was surprised at how easily they came out. Push the steel sleeve out of the bottom, might take a couple taps a little prying and wiggling. Of course I had lots of room when replacing mine with the entire front end torn out, but I don't think doing with everything in there would be horrible.

You must be registered for see images attach