SuperPro Steering Rack Bushings Installed

[harrydunn]

New-acquired 2003 Cruiser didn't drive "bad" by any means but there was a definite "numb" spot in the middle of the steering causing some slight wandering. Figured it had to be the steering rack bushings as TRE's were nice and tight. Installed new SuperPro poly bushings and am very pleased with the results. Had heard reports of increased NVH but I haven't experienced anything I can perceive. I'd definitely recommend Whiteline or SuperPro bushings if you're on the fence. I think there is a misconception that the poly bushings are hard as a rock, thus causing NVH, but they are actually fairly pliable for a poly bushing. The grim you see is not steering fluid or motor oil but Krown rust-preventative "fluid." I highly recommend it!

OLD BUSHINGS:

 

[neoworm]

I've got the poly bushings on my bench and am just about to do this. Glad to hear it's worth it. How much movement is there with the poly bushes? Got a video of that?

 

[harrydunn]

It's not night and day unless your OEM rubber bushings are completely trashed but it is definitely noticeable in cleaning up the steering.

 

[atnolan94]

Did you install with the rack in place? How hard was it?

I have seen some write-ups but seems a little daunting. I have a set of whit line bushings sitting in my parts bin.

 

[neoworm]

Well mine had a lot of movement right from new. My alignment guys were bitching about it and Lexus told me they were all like that.

I've got the Diff out of the truck so I figure now is the time to do it. Got an "after" video?

 

[harrydunn]

Friend who owns a shop did it. I like to do my own work for fun but this did not look like fun. Ha. It's a bit of a booger. They took the entire rack out although you do not have to.

Did you install with the rack in place? How hard was it?

I have seen some write-ups but seems a little daunting. I have a set of whit line bushings sitting in my parts bin.

 

[harrydunn]

I do not have an after video yet but will put that on my list for this weekend and post up. Good idea.

Well mine had a lot of movement right from new. My alignment guys were bitching about it and Lexus told me they were all like that.

I've got the Diff out of the truck so I figure now is the time to do it. Got an "after" video?

 

[neoworm]

thanks

 

[harrydunn]

I'm surprised yours had so much movement from new. I know the OEM rubber bushings are supposed to give quite a bit to soak up any NVH transmitted.

 

[neoworm]

Ya they moved a lot. TBH I never really noticed any adverse effects in the steering but the alignment guys were quite adamant that they should not move that much and were reluctant to work on my alignment. Lexus insisted it was normal.

I'm very curious to see if I notice an improvement with the Superpro's

 

[harrydunn]

@neoworm, here you go. Zero movement. (I’ve got the rack bushings loose intentionally to take a look in there.)

 

[MongooseGA]

Would you mind if I asked what you were charged for install? I think this may be one of my next moves.

 

[Pyrenees]

subscribed.

 

[harrydunn]

I’ll PM you. I had some other things done.

 

[neoworm]

Well I just finished putting them in. I didn't remove the rack but I did undo the lines and steering so I could move the rack around freely.

So how was it? I think I would rather pass another kidney stone than do that again. I would rather be kicked in the nuts repeatedly by a rabid Donkey while having my fingernails pulled out with pliers.

It will be awhile before I can drive the truck and see what sort of difference the poly bushings will make. However, unless the experience is somewhere close to the second coming of Christ, IMO it isn't worth the MONUMENTAL PITA it takes to change these things. Don't even think about trying to do it without an air chisel.

If you absolutely have to change these bushings do what "harrydunn" did and PAY SOMEONE TO DO IT FOR YOU!!! LOL.

My $.02

 

[neoworm]

Oh hey thanks for the after vid. Definitely looks like a big improvement.

 

[harrydunn]

Yah, really is. Drives like its on rails now.

 

[neoworm]

Better drive like a Ferrari after what I just went through haha

 

[harrydunn]

Ha! I had a C5 Corvette with super tight steering. It’s not quite a Corvette but pretty good!

 

[atnolan94]

Well I just finished putting them in. I didn't remove the rack but I did undo the lines and steering so I could move the rack around freely.

So how was it? I think I would rather pass another kidney stone than do that again. I would rather be kicked in the nuts repeatedly by a rabid Donkey while having my fingernails pulled out with pliers.

It will be awhile before I can drive the truck and see what sort of difference the poly bushings will make. However, unless the experience is somewhere close to the second coming of Christ, IMO it isn't worth the MONUMENTAL PITA it takes to change these things. Don't even think about trying to do it without an air chisel.

If you absolutely have to change these bushings do what "harrydunn" did and PAY SOMEONE TO DO IT FOR YOU!!! LOL.

My $.02

This is what I needed to hear.