99BlackPonyGT

the bushing on the driver side is going bad because when the oil gets changed it runs right over the bushing....how hard is it to replace this bushing? and is there better bushings available?

99BlackPonyGT

bump

4.698GT

its pretty simple to replace those bushings. Just loosen the big nut and bolt and pull the rack off. pull the bushings off. There are aftermarket replacements if you so choose, but make sure you do not buy the offset bushings as that will cause the rack to move relatively to the tierod end

99BlackPonyGT

ok..im gonna go take a picture, im not quite sure if we're talkin about the same bushing... if we are then im not understanding how the offset bushings work...can you give me a quick run down of the offset bushings plz? ill add a pic too

99BlackPonyGT

ok here's the bushing...you can see where its swelled up real big and the top is cracked, my teacher was kind enough to pull a strip off of it also [:@]

right below the boot

4.698GT

yea that bushing is easy. Just un bolt the nut and bolt there. The rack will need a little persuading to get it off but it will come off. The offset rack piece I basically just copied from the instructions for my maximum motorsports cc plates. It has something to do with the how everything is lowered in proporation when you lower a car, but when you change the k member and move the a arms, up or down it will cause a difference in your rack to the tie rod, which is fixed by the offset bushings

99BlackPonyGT

ok i looked it up some...seems like offset bushing, x2 ball joints, c/c plates, and a bumpsteer kit should all be used with a drop like mine...but in all honesty, i dont take my car to a road course or anything so the semi-bad steering isnt a problem right now since im on a budget...just going to get normal bushing and eventually ill get c/c plates so my front tires stop getting chewed lol... are these bushings ok to use?

http://www.stangsuspension.com/store...?idproduct=302

and i dont have to unbolt anything else? just unbolt the bolts on both sides of the steering rack and then pull it forward, slide the old bushings off, then slide the new on and rebolt it? will the rack move without disconnecting tie rods and all that stuff

4.698GT

I had the tie rod ends disconnected but you might be able to get enough room to get the bushings in. I forgot about one other thing. The steering linkage that attaches to the rack has a pinch bolt that you have to remove. Before you remove it lock the steering wheel so you won't damage anything or unline the steering pieces.

The aluminum bushings will work fine also. If you are on more of a budget you can just get standard rack bushings from your local parts store for less then price above. Autozone part # fa1765.

99BlackPonyGT

thanks!

racemyski

I have a similar problem, just waiting on the parts to get here. Check out this TSB and consider replacing the steering gear tube brackets. http://www.paladinmicro.com/PalMFrame00.htm?wks=rak

I didn't want to replace the rubber with rubber so I went with urethane. I ordered Energy Suspension bushings for my 02 GT vert. You want part number: 410103(R) The (R) is for Red. I think there is also a black part available.

I bought the bushings from Pep Boys for $12 but it was a special order item.