Steering Rack Bushing Install

[positron1]

I took a few pics when I installed my Energy Suspension steering rack bushings today. It was a easy install, takes about 30-40 minutes without any complications. I took a drive across town after the install and I could feel a difference in the steering with the new bushings. It was tighter and more responsive.

Tools required:JackstandsSocket wrench17mm deep well socket and an extensionpry barbreaker barbar of soap(to wash mouth out after cursing the world and all in it while you're trying to slide the drivers side bushing into place!)Pry barBreaker bar17mm deep well socket with extension.You can get at the bolts from the bottom of the steering rack. You'll need the extension to get at the higher bolt.After removing the bolts, take the clamp off so you can get to the steering rack bushing.Here's the clamp and the bolts.Next, you use the pry bar to move the rack up maybe half an inch or so then you can slide the bushing out and replace it with the new bushing. I thought this would be the difficult part but the steering rack is very light. Sidenote: Lubing up the drivers side bushing with WD-40 or something similiar will make it easier to slide into place.The new Energy Suspension bushings...could a sprung for the Nismo but I'm cheap!Here's a pic of the old passenger side bushing next to the new passenger side bushing. Old and busted...new flyness!Here's a pic of the old drivers side bushing next to the new drivers side bushing. It was in bad shape literally coming apart. I guess the bracket was holding it together hence the slop in my steering.Finished product. Now just rinse and repeat this procedure for the drivers side and you done. It may take you a couple of tries to move the drivers side bushing into it's correct place but you'll get it. Torque the bolts/nuts down to 65-80 ft.lbs. (88-108Nm) You may need an alignment afterwards also.

Modified by positronone at 6:21 PM 12/7/2006

Modified by positronone at 6:31 PM 12/7/2006

Modified by positronone at 6:36 PM 12/7/2006

Modified by positronone at 11:13 PM 12/7/2006

Modified by positronone at 2:12 PM 3/25/2007
Modified by positronone at 2:12 PM 3/25/2007

[elwesso]

Great writeup.. IF you could go a bit more in depth on the procedures, i will turn this into an article (which of course means you get a custom user title )

[positron1]

Cool...thanks!

[SPIRONIUM]

What did you think about the quality of the bushings? I got the same energy suspension ones a year ago and they didn't fit well at all, i had to cut a lot of material off. Have they improved the design since then?

[positron1]

Yeah, they fit like a glove and they made a big improvement in my steering feel. They must have made some changes since then.

[CusCo_S14]

yeah great write up, do you know if there is any difference between the E.S bushings or the Nismo bushings, cause one of the guys in the parts at the local nissan dealer gave me these bushings for FREE the other day.

[positron1]

I don't know if there is any difference or not...sorry.

[87nissanKC]

Awesome right up man but just one small question...How did you get the new bushings in place? Was it a pain? My ES bushings will be here on the 2nd of jan. and i already pulled my 240sx apart and that drivers side one was a pain. Also did you grease them? Do you have to grease them? I think thats all my questions...Thanks

[positron1]

I didn't have to grease them. The passenger side bushing was a snap, it just slid right into place. The driver's side requires some manuevering to get it in the exact position. Maybe greasing this one would help a little.