Rack And Pinion Bushings?

[ROBERT MITCHELL]

Hey is there any one out there that knows if the plastic or rubber bushings in the ends of the rack and pinion can be replaced? i have a lot of play in my front wheels and i tracked it down to the rack and pinion and it turns out that the bushings or the seals in the ends are gone which leaves a lot of play in the steering. i also would like to know what they look like and where i can buy them. so if someone can help me on this it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[FB71]

not available outside of rack rebuilder. Also, the requires a few special tools to properly disassemble and reassemble. The plastic bushings in the ends of the tube due eventally wear, and the only current viable solution is a new/reman/good used rack.

[ROBERT MITCHELL]

thanks for the info i've been trying hi and lo to find out something on this.Thanks!

[ejp2fast]

there are only a few things that Jim DOESN'T know. Here is one:

Abe Lincoln was born Feb 12, 1809.

Jim please correct me if you previously knew this.

[jglutz]

Sure its not the inner tie rods? If I remember correctly the bushing or pinion preload can only be detected by bench testing, rack removed.

[FB71]

ejp2fast, I'm sure I knew that in grade school, but don't actually recall knowing it.

Joe, that rack can be evaluated in-car, I've done it many times. Requires pull back of rack boots to inspect the rack tube bushings, and a dial-type torque wrench on the steering wheel nut to check the pinion rotational torque and rack mesh.

[ROBERT MITCHELL]

yes im sure it's not the inner rods. i took them off and inspected them and they are fine, the play is in the ends or the rack it self so therefore the problem has to be the rack end bushings. i could see where they were wore out and all broken into pieces. is there any where you can buy thoes to replace them?