Just have a quick question. I am thinking about replacing all of the old bushings in my 01', with polyurethane ones. What are the most essential ones to replace, to tighten my steering back up? Thanks.

 

If the only reason you are changing out bushings is for loose steering I'd take a look at the steering components first. IIRC, the only bushings on the front end are on the upper/lower control arms and the anti-sway bar. Loose steering is much more affected by bad tie rods, idler/pitman arms, rag joint, and the steering box itself.

The anti-sway bushing are easy to replace. The control arms aren't, particularly the lower ones if you have 4X4. For the control arm bushings to be causing loose steering, I have to wonder how you could even drive down the road and stay between the ditches.

 

O.K. So where should I start? There is definitely some play in the steering. What would be your own personal "first step" in fixing the problem?

 

My first step would be to observing all of the various joints in the steering while someone rotates the steering wheel side to side. Small movements are all that are necessary. You will be looking for play when the direction changes.

Here's a list of where to look and in what order I would look:

1. Rag joint at the input side of the steering box
2. Idler arm at both the center link mount as well as the pivot where it attaches to the frame (known weak point in the steering)
3. Pitman arm at the output side of the steering box where it mounts to the center link
4. Tie Rod ends both at the center link and at the steering knuckle (4 total)

 

Good info. Thanks!

 

Well, it's been a few months, so I thought I would bump this thread to the top.


What's the ( pick one ) easiest cheapest best way to remove and replace
the upper and lower control arm rubber bushings ?


I have almost 200,000 on my 2000 4x4 and if I'm going in to replace the ball joints, I figure I might as well replace everything that can be replaced.... axles, hubs and all.


I've burned the bushings out on other cars, but is there a tool or a better way to replace the bushings without bending the control arms ?


It looks more expensive, and they use "unknown" bushings, and "unknown" ball joints, ( zerk fittings ?? ) but a complete lower and upper control arm replacement might be the QUICKEST way to change everything out over a weekend.


I have a shop press, but I don't see that it could help unless I had a couple of helpers holding everything in place.


Does AZ or AA or OReillys have tools made for this specific issue ?


I appreciate your input !!!


The Old Doc

 

Personally I replace them completely with moog control arms both of which come from either AZ or O'reillys after which I keep the old ones as spares and just do moog bushings and set them aside