Steering rack bushings worn?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

D

dkad260

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Posts
368
Reaction score
374
2012 Yukon XL 1500 140K miles

The front end is tight, ball joints, control arms, tie rods, no leaks on the rack. When turning the wheel I can see about 1/4" of moment, curious if this is excessive.

If so, are they replaceable, do the bushings just press in and out?

Quick vid.


 
Doubeleive

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
25,346
Reaction score
37,606
Location
Stockton, Ca.
dkad260 said:
2012 Yukon XL 1500 140K miles

The front end is tight, ball joints, control arms, tie rods, no leaks on the rack. When turning the wheel I can see about 1/4" of moment, curious if this is excessive.

If so, are they replaceable, do the bushings just press in and out?

Quick vid.


Click to expand...
there is a support bracket out there (i think) that can be bolted on that will help eliminate that, I believe there may also be bushings but that may be a bit of work.
the brace I am thinking of may be for the gmt800's, you might try poking around the web or maybe another member will know for sure.
here are the bushings from energy suspension
 
OP
OP
D

dkad260

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Posts
368
Reaction score
374
The bushings seem doable with a C-press, hoping by just re-securing the tie rod ends with no movement on the threads would alter the alignment.

I think those brackets are for the 2500's?? Not sure.
 
Doubeleive

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
25,346
Reaction score
37,606
Location
Stockton, Ca.
dkad260 said:
The bushings seem doable with a C-press, hoping by just re-securing the tie rod ends with no movement on the threads would alter the alignment.

I think those brackets are for the 2500's?? Not sure.
Click to expand...
if yours is a 2500 then it should be the same or similar system as a gmt800, haven't really looked that hard at one myself.
 
J

j91z28d1

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2022
Posts
2,747
Reaction score
3,276
can you feel it driving or it's annoying, hard to alignment?

cause if not I'd leave it. you don't need all the harsh road vibrations and hits directly on the rack gears of you don't need it.


drift guys all have solid rack mounts and they change racks like underwear. I feel the flex is probably there for a reason. I tend to leave rubber bushings in everything, my younger days of changing everything to polly and then wondering why they don't last has long past in my old age haha.
 
992dr

992dr

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Posts
3,142
Reaction score
1,166
Location
Eastern N.C.
There are a few companies that make bushing kits to eliminate the slop. Izzy has probably the best kit but it's pricey.
Believe it or not they actually help prolong the life of the rack, at least out in the desert. Don't see why they wouldn't do the same on the road in a less harsh environment.

www.izzyfab.com

07-13 Silverado Billet Steering Rack Insert | Izzy Fab

Replaces factory steering rack inserts with solid billet inserts.Grade 8 hardware included. Comes machined finsh raw. email after order if you would like anodize*
www.izzyfab.com www.izzyfab.com

baselineoverland.com

2007-2013 SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 RACK AND PINION MOUNT

Replace the trouble prone cast aluminum stock passenger side rack and pinion mount from CWF Offroad. This heavy duty steel mount that is far stronger than stock. Accepts stock isolator sleeve. Grade 8 hardware and black powdercoat finish included. Compatible wiht 2007-13...
baselineoverland.com baselineoverland.com
 
mikez71

mikez71

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2023
Posts
1,106
Reaction score
1,291
Nice video!

I have lateral movement on my passenger bushing, but did not check for axial movement while steering.
In my case, I get a slight clunk if I make faster than slow u-turn, and I seem to have extra outside edge tire wear so I probably have the same type of movement. Personally leaning towards the Energy Suspension bushings just because they are stiffer without being fully rigid.

Any other options? keep 'em coming!
 
petethepug

petethepug

Michael
Joined
May 4, 2016
Posts
2,835
Reaction score
3,027
Location
SoCal
At the age of our trucks the entire rack should be replaced with upper / lower control arms and tie rod ends. The only Poly bushings you should use on the front / rear suspension is the ones for the sway bar bushings.
The twisting of the sway bar in the Poly is ideal.

Using Poly on control arms, rack, bump stops or tie rods is not a good idea. The durometer of rubber bushings are engineered / factored into the rack and suspension components for comfort & performance.

Compromising Poly’s longevity
for Rubber’s road manners over the long term is the win. A full or partial poly bushing set up is really only good a a few laps or a pro driver.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

donjetman
Front End Refresh
2 3 4
Replies
32
Views
4K
donjetman
donjetman
MarshMarlowe
Help diagnosing a popping noise
Replies
8
Views
1K
petethepug
petethepug
S
Excessive Body Roll & Self-steer Over Bumps After Front End Overhaul
2
Replies
15
Views
1K
nonickatall
nonickatall
L
Loose Steering Issue
Replies
7
Views
3K
petethepug
petethepug
C
Steering Resistance - What to Replace?
2 3
Replies
24
Views
3K
claustralia
C

Forum statistics

Threads
131,208
Posts
1,846,995
Members
95,207
Latest member
BigRed23

Latest posts

Top