Those of you with steering or ride issues, Replace the rack bushings FIRST
02-01-12, 02:30 PM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Those of you with steering or ride issues, Replace the rack bushings FIRST
I've been chasing this problem for the last few months. My car would wander all over the road, I even got pulled over once at 2am because the cop thought I was drunk.
My entire front end felt loose going over bumps, steering was numb and unresponsive.
I started with brand new LCA, the old ones were still in decent shape, ball joints were tight, bushings werent torn or broken.
The new arms improved the handling a little bit but the ride was still garbage, so I went with new coilovers next. The old shocks were leaking a little bit so I thought what the hell.
With the new coils in it still didn't fix my problem so I decided to look into the rack bushings.
It was the best $60 I've ever spent, the old ones had chunks of rubber missing and the car has only done 90k miles
Now the car drives straight as an arrow and rides super smooth.
If your car has these issues always start with the cheapest replacement first, I probably could've saved myself some money on the arms since they didnt really need replacing.
My entire front end felt loose going over bumps, steering was numb and unresponsive.
I started with brand new LCA, the old ones were still in decent shape, ball joints were tight, bushings werent torn or broken.
The new arms improved the handling a little bit but the ride was still garbage, so I went with new coilovers next. The old shocks were leaking a little bit so I thought what the hell.
With the new coils in it still didn't fix my problem so I decided to look into the rack bushings.
It was the best $60 I've ever spent, the old ones had chunks of rubber missing and the car has only done 90k miles
Now the car drives straight as an arrow and rides super smooth.
If your car has these issues always start with the cheapest replacement first, I probably could've saved myself some money on the arms since they didnt really need replacing.
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lexus7217 (12-10-17)
02-01-12, 02:37 PM
#2
all my suspension seems tight i.e. bushings and balljoints. but when i hit a bump the steering wheel jerks to one side. tracks straight, drives straight. i was gonna replace my rack bushings to try to remedy the problem, from this sounds like this is exactly what i need to do. 
02-01-12, 03:40 PM
#5
Driver
Thread Starter
all my suspension seems tight i.e. bushings and balljoints. but when i hit a bump the steering wheel jerks to one side. tracks straight, drives straight. i was gonna replace my rack bushings to try to remedy the problem, from this sounds like this is exactly what i need to do.
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02-01-12, 05:40 PM
#8
Driver
Thread Starter
02-01-12, 09:27 PM
#9
I bought the aluminum ones from Driftmotion. Before, my car was almost impossible to drive and my steering wheel had to be turned to the right just for me to stay straight. If I hit a bump, the car would be all over the place.
My friend put on my new bushings and it hasn't been much better. I never got an alignment after he put on the bushings though.
My friend put on my new bushings and it hasn't been much better. I never got an alignment after he put on the bushings though.
02-01-12, 09:42 PM
#10
02-03-12, 08:19 AM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
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I repalced my steering rack bushings yesterday on my 97 SC400. The original ones looked new but I'm glad I did it anyway.
I used the Ricochet Polyurethane Technologies bushings found on a popular auction site. I didn't have any issues and they fit perfectly. I ordered them on Monday and they arrived that following Wednesday!
I used the Ricochet Polyurethane Technologies bushings found on a popular auction site. I didn't have any issues and they fit perfectly. I ordered them on Monday and they arrived that following Wednesday!
02-06-12, 11:12 AM
#15
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Just replaced the stock bushings with the Daizens over the weekend. Ordered them from TM Engineering, shipping took less than a week, and this was by far, the easiest steering rack bushing replacement I have done on ANY car, literally took more time cleaning the bolts and washers than the actual install. I have not had a chance to drive the car with them, but considering my old bushings were almost non-existent, I am assuming the steering feel will be greatly improved.
Out with the old
In with the new
Thanks,
Rick
Out with the old
In with the new
Thanks,
Rick