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Rack and Pinion bushing help

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by Mooseknuckles, Apr 16, 2019.

  1. Apr 16, 2019 at 6:32 PM
    #1
    Mooseknuckles

    Mooseknuckles [OP] New Member

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    I could use some advice on replacing the rack and pinion bushings on my 2008 Tundra.
    While driving, I felt some play in the steering wheel allowing the vehicle to wander slightly side to side. After a quick inspection I found that when turning the steering wheel back and forth the unit its self moved side to side 1/4 inch or so in each direction. From what Iv'e been able to find on google the O.E.M bushings are a softer rubber then say, a polyurethane bushing. Defective bushings? I don't know. I plan on replacing them with Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings ASAP. I've also found some posts saying that they can be removed/replacing on the vehicle without pulling the entire unit out, Is this true? Any advice would be hugely appreciated .
    Thnx.
     
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2019
  2. Apr 20, 2019 at 8:23 AM
    #2
    11SilverPlatinum

    11SilverPlatinum New Member

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  3. Apr 20, 2019 at 8:37 AM
    #3
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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  4. Apr 20, 2019 at 8:38 AM
    #4
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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  5. Apr 20, 2019 at 9:54 AM
    #5
    Dr_Al

    Dr_Al New Member

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    If you do replace the bushings and live up north in salt country take the time to remove any rust, prime, then paint it. My 2000 Tundra had the rack rust under the steering bushing on the passenger's side and start leaking. Once it rusts through you are replacing it so anything you can do to stop the rust now is something your wallet will thank you for.
     
  6. Apr 22, 2019 at 1:34 PM
    #6
    Mooseknuckles

    Mooseknuckles [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the link. If pulling the rack out is my only option, that's going to be of great help. And thanks for the heads up on the rust issue Dr_Al. They spray down a brine solution before thing freeze up and sand the roads as needed. I will definitely look for that. What I want to do is replace only the bushings. To be more specific, is it possible to loosen and manipulate the rack, allowing you to remove and replace the bushings? Rather than pulling the rack out completely.
    As rumor had it, the exhaust manifold “Had” to be pulled in order to replace the starter. Not true. Pulling the starter out through the wheel well was cake. I'm talking 30 minutes max.
    So contrary popular belief, maybe someone was successful in replacing the bushings and not pulling the whole rack.
     
  7. Apr 22, 2019 at 2:16 PM
    #7
    Coachbuilder1

    Coachbuilder1 Industry Leader Vendor

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    DondeContente and Silverghost like this.
  8. Apr 22, 2019 at 5:29 PM
    #8
    Mooseknuckles

    Mooseknuckles [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the info guys, Replacing the Rad in the morning and will definitely give you a call end of the week or so.
    Thnx again
     
  9. Sep 15, 2019 at 11:34 AM
    #9
    moevinger

    moevinger New Member

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    I know this is an old thread but I'm about to do the same thing to my 2007 and would love to hear how this turned out. I even plan to replace my radiator at the same time. Removing the rack seems like a real PITA so if it can be done without removing it that seems like something I really want to hear about. I'm sure others would like to know the process as well. Thanks in advance.....
     
  10. Sep 17, 2019 at 5:15 AM
    #10
    Fiesta346

    Fiesta346 New Member

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    not sure if the tundra rack is the same as my Tacoma was but mine was leaking bad I removed the entire metal piece and ran a straight line, worked perfect.
     
  11. Mar 4, 2024 at 2:07 AM
    #11
    farnsrocket

    farnsrocket New Member

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