Anyone replaced a steering rack bushing?

Just took my truck in for its yearly inspection and the shop said my steering rack bushing was bad and the part is only 60 bucks but 340 bucks in labor. Trying to see if it’s something I could do myself or if I should just fork out the cash. It’s an 01 2.7 4x4 if it matters

 

You can definitely do this one yourself. Skip to 2:40 on this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_DFVXX_IaQ

At one point he drills out an old bushing. I used a ball joint press. Either way works.

Here's a link if you prefer reading your way through it. This also has torque specs highlighted.
https://adventuretaco.com/guide/ste...ement-on-a-1st-gen-tacoma-or-3rd-gen-4runner/

 

thanks! So I need some sort of press to do this?

 

Yea but you can rent them from any auto parts store. The second link shows how they pressed out the old bushings

 

awesome. Sounds simple enough. Is there a certain kit you would recommend over another?

 

The ball joint kits are all about the same. I used Energy Suspension for the bushings

 

My son helped me with mine. It's not hard.

 

Thanks y’all. I appreciate the input stay tuned and hopefully I’ll get it knocked out this weekend

 

You don't need a press at all. I have done 3 sets now for 1st gen. This is for replacing with energy suspension bushings. If replacing with oem style bushing, you might need a press.

- Remove all mounting hardware.
- Use a utility knife or sharp knife to cut the outer circumference of each bushing. Only need to cut one side.
- Use appropriate size socket and hammer out.

Circled in red where to cut:

 

+1 I did all my rack bushings and did not use a press. I did it the same way @Superdave1.0 just lined out. Very easy. The new ES bushings pressed in by hand. $340 in labor for this seems silly after having done it myself. You got it OP.

 

Haha I appreciate the confidence. Like I said I’ll report back and see if I can’t get it figured out

 

I did the ES ones, no special tools needed. I did learn that jacking the truck up a bit helps as then you can move the wheels a bit to maneuver things.

 

Good on your for having him wear safety glasses.

 

Timmy the Toolman has an excellent video (actually all of 'em are excellent!) that shows how to replace the bushings in the steering gear. I would recommend that you take a look at it.

 

Update I found some time and gave it a whirl and I couldn’t get the bolts free. Those things are in there. Need an impact driver I reckon. Only got one loose

 

Spray the hell out of it with pb blaster. Then spray it again the next day. Then get a breaker bar and they should come out

 

thats the plan. I sprayed them about an hour ago now. Just waiting to see where I get

 

You do not need a press. I got my rubber bushings out just fine without one, just used a C-clamp and a socket to push them out. I didn't even remove the rack (kept the tie rods connected)

It's an easy enough DIY job, but sucks to be rolling around on the ground for that long under a truck on jack stands. Would be much better up on a lift.

I followed a video tutorial that didn't disconnect the outer tie rods, supposedly it's easier though if you do.

 

A breaker bar is your friend on this job.

 

Next stupid question. Do I really need to put the truck on Jack stands? I just rolled it on ramps for now. I’m seeing everyone is using Jack stands. Is there a reason or just doing it to add space to work?