Are Rack Bushings & AC Belt considered DIY?

[Jesda]

My Q is due for new steering rack bushings and a new AC compressor belt and idler pulley. Are these considered DIY jobs? With my newly limited budget, I'd like to figure out how to do these things myself. Will I need unusual tools?

I'm pretty much only familiar with brakes, as far as DIY experience goes.

Thanks!-Jesda

[Q45tech]

Other than a shop lift, air tools, big pry bars, metric tools.

[Jesda]

Dennis:

What is the zip code for T3? I need to accurately calculate the fuel cost to get there. Also, how much is premium fuel there?

Thanks!-Jesda

[maxnix]

Dennis:

What is the zip code for T3? I need to accurately calculate the fuel cost to get there. Also, how much is premium fuel there?

Thanks!-Jesda

T3 Automotive Ltd.5322 S. Cobb Dr.Atlanta, GA 30080(404) 794-7700

Uh, Dennis, I got this problem with my siding and I was wondering if you would......

[Q45tech]

10 miles from 30067, 5 miles exit 15 on I285 west of junction of I75 [North Atlanta.

We had some one from Kansas last week [guides and a transmission flush].

Around 420 miles from ST Louis.......just a tankfull [19 gallons.

Premium is up to $1.84 at QT.........[GA has the lowest fuel taxes in US........7.5 cents] and the newest roads vs Missouri 17.03 cents per gallon..........no nasty oxygenates either.All our corn is used for moonshine whiskey.

[Mr1der]

so uh, how much of the Q maintence is more or less DIY? assuming one doesn't have a well equiped garage to work with?

[elwesso]

Jesda.. We could do this, it would be an easy job (only an hour or so for the idler pulley) and a day for the rack bushings...

[Jesda]

I think I'll plan a trip to Smalltown, Indiana! Sure you can tackle the bushings?

-Jesda

[90Q45blue]

While you're at it, replace your steering rack. It's a ton cheaper to do yourself and if you're doing the bushings you might as well.

Nick

[elwesso]

I KNOW I can do the bushings, how hard can it be?

[redmanfx]

Premium is up to $1.84 at QT.........[GA has the lowest fuel taxes in US........7.5 cents] and the newest roads vs Missouri 17.03 cents per gallon..........no nasty oxygenates either.All our corn is used for moonshine whiskey.

Strange, tax per gallon in NC is .45 cents, but the price for a gallon of Premium here at the beach is $1.82. What a frickin' racket!!! Price fixing.

red

[elwesso]

It looks as if I may be doing Jesda's rack bushings..

The FSM is unlcear (big surprise there ), and is it basically a matter of undoing the rack from the brackets, letting it sorta "dangle" and replace the 2 bushings?

Is that really it????? Could someone give me some pointers, dont wanna start a new thread and searched and no major stuff on rack bushings.

[Sopdadope]

It's been two years since I did this and I replaced the OEM bushings with ES urethane bushings. While the passenger-side was fairly straight-forward the driver-side had me tearing my hair out by the handful.

Because it's an odd tear-drop shape, the d/s bushing didn't seat properly against the rack. After much loosening of the steering column, endless prying, liberal amounts of lube and the use of two channel locks, I finally got it to seat properly. Careful not to let the steering shaft separate while loosening, otherwise budget at least an hour on reconfiguring the shaft to its proper, original setting. This is a deceptively difficult task and would be much easier to do on a lift. But if you're gungho about DIY, enjoy a challenge and have a good three-four hours to kill, go for it.

[Jesda]

Wes? You still up for it?

[elwesso]

I need a more specific rundown on how its done...

I noticed there are what looks like semicircular brackets holding on the rack. When i drop that down will I be able get them off..... And then do I slide them over, or do I have to slide them over the tierods......

[Q451990]

The bushings are held in place by two "U" shaped brackets with two large bolts. If you remove the u-joint that holds the steering shaft to the rack, and a few other items, you won't have much trouble. The bushings have splits in them so you just wrap them around in place.

I replaced them on jack stands in my garage... (I know, I know, jack stands.. but I used 5+ the floor jack).

There are a couple of other bolts in there, for heat shields and such, but nothing much to it. I remember it being a real bear the first time I did this, but I don't think I disconnected the steering shaft. This would also be a good time to replace the rack boots if they're old or splitting - just be sure to get an alignment right afterwards. I'd allow 3-4 hours to be safe.

A/C pullies and belts will be no problem either - just unbolt and bolt. Maybe 2 hours...

Heath

[elwesso]

I only have to do the rack bushings.

So its easiest to remove the U Joint for the steering and then it gives it more "play"

I dont think this should be too hard of a job, but I wont doubt having something be a PITA because it IS the Q... The engineers HAD to make something in EVERY job a PITA.