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[Ironman02]

Energy Suspension Polyurethane P/S Rack Bushing Install

Freshly shipped bushings:



The project:







After removing the front wheel I found that it makes life much easier to remove the brake calipers (two 11/16” bolts ea. caliper) and rotors, then proceed to loosen the disc brake shield (four 1/2” bolts) and rotate so that notch is facing the rear of the truck and tie rod end links are exposed. Next you will want to remove the cotter pin and (one nut ea. Side 3/4”) crown nut off the tie rod end. Lastly disconnect the steering shaft from the rack pump (one 12mm bolt). You may have to pry the clamp apart a little bit.



Separating the tie rod ends I found using a pickle fork and a big hammer is the easiest way to separate it from the spindle. However if you are not replacing the end links I would find an alternate way to separate them, so that you don’t destroy the bushings.


After I unhooked all steering link components I proceeded to drain the power steering fluid system. I started by removing p/s reservoir cap. Then I purged the two ports located on rear side of rack (two 9/16” fittings) and then the two ports located on the rear of rack pump housing (two 17mm fittings). After draining stops rotate the pump shaft both ways to purge until remains of the fluid are out.


On the passenger side loosen bolt (one 10mm) that fastens the pressure lines to rack.



Now that the system was drained I continued on to unbolting all the structural components. The rack is connected to the frame by (four 3/4” bolts - three horizontal, one vertical). Note: the horizontal bolts are a breeze, but the vertical center bolt will take some thought lol. I ended up using my socket wrench and pipe extension and bolt came out like cake. Also note that the drivers side horizontal bolt should be removed for easy rack removal.





Its time to remove the rack!


Existing bushings… Yuck!


To remove the existing rubber bushings I used a 1/2” deep well socket and large hammer. Center the socket on bushing and commence the pounding lol. BTW pound existing bushing out the front side of rack. After all bushings are removed you will find debris formed to the inner walls from friction. Take a lightweight sand paper and lightly hone down the walls until debris is scuffed off.


Installing Energy Suspension bushings is a breeze. The cylinder shaped bushings are two piece with steel inner sleeve. Simply tap bushings in on both sides, and then tap in the steel inner sleeve.




To reinstall just read back through procedure

This is my power steering rack bushing install DIY. Hope you have enjoyed it, or at least learned something haha.

The p/s rack bellow project will be next. Ran out of time for this weekend (picture at top). Will add the tie rod end removal and bellow replacement project later