3rd Gen Steering Rack Bushings

Hi All,

So recently I've noticed some play in the steering wheel and an occasional "clunk" when steering, the clunk more noticeable under swaying conditions. Lifted the truck, took wheels off and inspected suspension and initially found nothing that seemed out of place. Inspected steering column and no play there. Had the wife move steering wheel side to side while I was underneath and heard and saw where the play and noise might be coming from. As she moved steering wheel, steering rack could be seen moving side to side about an 1/8th of an inch either way. After consulting shop manual for proper torque, proceeded to torque check both bushing bolts to the specified 70ft/lbs. Both were in spec. Searched for replacement bushings, but it seems neither Toyota or aftermarket has anything specific to these years short of a full rack replacement. Wondering if anyone has found previous model bushings that will fit? Bushings are N01 on attached parts diagram. Thrilled when I saw note at the bottom...

Anyways, I would appreciate your responses, and ya'll take care during these times

 

Rogue told me 2nd gen rack bushings fit, claiming they have customers running them, but they haven't installed any. I have yet to install mine either. They look like they should fit though.

 

Anyone try this yet?

 

I would also like to know because I haven’t been able to find any kind of info on this anywhere..I’ve been having a lot of excess play/loose steering. I don’t wanna have to get a whole new rack

 

I did a new rack on my O7 not too long ago and yes it was a pain in the A$$...
I'd add that if you do the upgraded bushings the Toyota spec'd torque 70ft-lbs is not enough to crush the poly busing into place. I chased a steering wheel alignment issue for weeks before I finally figured that issue out. You should be able to inspect the bushings visually and see if they are in poor repair. I'd be surprised that a 3rd gen's bushings were shot already...but who knows these days.

 

Well when I bought my truck in may, I noticed the steering already had minor play. Nothing drastic tho, it felt normal. I guess they just use real soft bushings straight from factory.

problem is I just barely tapped a curb one day going about 30-35. Now it feels real wonky. Tie rods and everything looked fine too. Alignment was good also. But who knows, it could be inside the rack. I feel like it’s the bushings tho because it does wander a bit. Hoping some firmer bushings would alleviate that a bit. I’m new to all this so I’m figuring it out as I go

 

Ah okay haha. My concern was figment issues considering they don’t make them for 2020 models, but this is promising lol

 

interesting. Thanks! I really appreciate the info. I will look into it and see how it goes. Will update when done.

 

Looks like they are in decent shape to me...is the lower intermediate steering shaft looking good too?

 

The bushing appears to be in good shape (ie, not falling apart or dry rotted). Hammer that thing down tight!

 

So I noticed my passenger side moves similar to the video you shared but my drivers side isn't as bad, would you hear only hear a clunk when close to full turn? This noise has only occurred after leaving my truck parked for about month when on a trip and when I came back.... bam! Do you think being left out in the weather for about a month be the final straw needed to make that bushing go bad enough to start making this clunking noise?

 

Just to update y’all cause I forgot about this lol my alignment was never properly done. The shop never put enough caster until I took it elsewhere. Alignment is cherry now, truck rides perfect now other than unevenly worn tires
So don’t be stupid like me and make sure you get a proper alignment had to get new tires cause of it

 

Did these bushings work? Any issues with the install or performance?

 

Does anyone have a recommendation for a mechanic in the Tampa, FL or even Orlando area that can replace steering rack bushings on a Taco?

Ordinarily I would take up this task myself, but am short of time these days.

 

It’s a real pain in the ass job. Worth it to pay a pro…IMHO

 

Does any long term reviews with these aftermarket bushings?

 

Has anyone tried these and confirm they fit? Looking to get replacement rack and pinion bushings for my 2018 2WD.

no one responded so i ordered anyways and will keep this thread posted

 

So , how did it go?

I took my truck in for an alignment today and they say my bushings need replacing!

 

JD Fab makes some. Website says fits 2nd and 3rd gen’s.
https://jdfabrication.com/collectio...oducts/2005-toyota-tacoma-nylon-rack-bushings

 

I replaced the bushings yesterday with the Energy Suspension ploy bushings. It’s a bear of a job to do on axle stands, but do able. Probably took me eight hours with some time wasted and running out for new tools.

I took the wheels off and disconnected the tie rod ends to give me a little more wiggle room. Cut the bottom off both bolts, at the nut, to allow a bit more space to remove the bolts. I’d say this really helps on the driver side, but not really necessary on the passenger side. Also I removed the steering column at the spline. Note the marks for reassembly, so your wheel is in the right orientation.

I started with the passenger side lower bushing because it had the best access to learn the process. It turns out these two bushings are the harder to remove. Probably because they are pressed into steel rather than the aluminum on the driver side. There was a little rust on the inner faces. I used a strap to semi secure the rack and pinion. I also used wood blocks where needed to help stabilize. Another tool that was useful was piece of gas pipe with a short 90 on one end to help manipulate the rack to an angle. The trick is to use a beater wood chisel to bend the metal flange. Then insert a pickle bar and drive through until the bushing pops out.





This first one took me the longest as I didn’t really know what the bushing construction was. I wasted some time just working on the rubber outer, thinking if I could cut it off, it would help.

Even though the driver side is more difficult to get to due to pipes and hoses. It was actually way easier. New bushings go in fairly easy. I used some silicone grease. Insert the polyurethane first then the inner steel sleeve. On the passenger side I used a clamp to help squeeze it home. On the driver side I figured out that you can insert a crowbar in from the side and lever against the frame.

I had high hopes of re installing the bolts from the top. I understand there are several good reasons that it should be this way. But it just wasn’t happening. So for now, I reinstalled the bolt from below. I will probably buy new bolts and use a second nut as a lock nut for some security and call it good.



Took the truck out for a test drive last night and it is a huge improvement. Steering wheel is straight and everything feels way tighter, in a good way. I hope this helps, it’s isn’t easy, but it is doable. I’m in my mid fifties and in reasonably shape, but I have to say it was a good workout on my back and core!