Toyoda22

SO i've been reading on this forum for a while trying to figure out whats up with my truck. the steering is a little sloppy and it loses control easily on bumps. I saw a thread recently on somebody who got down and watched the steering rack for movement as he turned the wheel. I did that last night and there is some pretty significant motion down there. It doesn't really move side to side but kind of rotates on axis to the back of the truck. How much should this thing be moving when its in a new condition? I'm planning on ordering the Energy Suspension bushings monday when there open. just wanted to get a feel for what you guys have seen in sloppy steering rack bushing movement..

brian2sun

Replace the bushings, it won't move at all after you do. I did mine not too long ago and it recovers nicely after big bumps now and the overall steering is tighter and more responsive. Not that bad of a job to do yourself, but it's about 2.5 hours of labor to have a shop do it. I recommend inspecting your outer tie rod ends and upper and lower ball joints before you make your order, it may be time for those too - it was for me.

Ron Helmuth

double posted sorry

Ron Helmuth

I would add that the poly bushings may dampen excess vibration feel but if your rack is bad the symptoms will likely return.

Inner tie rods are the closest to the rack and those should be inspected as well.

A competent alignment shop should be able to inspect and advise regarding the entire front end suspension.