Steering rack bushings

I can’t believe this took so long to do!

I bought Energy Suspension bushings for my 02 Tacoma back when I had it, with the intention of swapping them out when needed. I ended up selling that truck, but forgot about the bushings until well after it had sold.

Recently, my tundra started to have a ghost wander at speed, and a rattle on washboards and while on trails. I thought it might might be an alignment or shock bushing issue (Eibach’s lower bushings have deteriorated... to be addressed at a later date), but both of those looked good.

Duh. Steering rack. Swapped out those bushings that were still sitting on my work desk much to the chagrin of my girlfriend, and the truck drives tighter than ever. It’s difficult to describe how much better it drives, as that bushing has ostensibly been ovalizing slowly over the course of its life.

So, in conclusion. Buy the bushings, swap them out. You will not regret it. Honestly, on par with my suspension upgrades.

 

I got some from Total chaos sitting on my bench waiting to go in. Those combined with my Suspension Maxx sway bar end links which I've already done should make a huge improvement.

 

Thanks, OP. Already have an order in the cart but I'm looking for poly bushing for my leaf springs. Anyone got a website? Energy doesn't offer them.

 

Did mine the other week. They were so bad I was surprised my rack hadn’t fallen off yet.

 

Did you have to jack up your truck and remove tires to get the job done?

 

This can be done with the truck and tires on the ground. IMO the center vertical bushing is the only one that's "difficult". I reccomend applying antiseize to the bolts when you put it back together.

This video does a decent job of covering it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JafzubwihDM

 

I’d recommend jacking it up since you will need the clearance. You don’t have to remove the wheels though. I also recommend using a C clamp to press the new bushings in, since they will be tight. Grease everything.

 

Per Total Chaos....no grease for their kit. Called them and actually talked to someone.

 

Thank you guys, i will be changing mine, hopefully soon

 

Installing them with no lube would be a challenge since the clearances are so tight as they should be with bushings... but every manufacturer has different specifications I suppose

 

I think that was his point, explaining it to me. It's not a moving part, doesn't need grease. We shall see...

 

Although it’s not a moving part, it does have some degree of movement (hence the need for a bushing). I greased mine. It definitely helped in the installation process, and will act as a water/dirt barrier to reduce wear in the long run.

I didn’t bother with the jack, it was pretty easy to do with all four on the ground. It’s like driving on rails now.

 

Yeah I totally get where you're coming from. Total chaos makes some of the best suspension products in the business so I tend to trust them and what they tell me so I will attempt my install without using Grease