Rack and pinion mount bushings

[jewalker7842]

I'm wanting to replace the rack and pinion mount bushings on the 2001 Ranger 3.0 RWD to try and correct this no resistance in the steering wheel at higher speeds instead of replacing the whole rack. I have only came across this one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Raybestos-577-7035-Professional-Pinion-Bushing/dp/B001QV9X8W/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1345654369&sr=1-3&keywords=rack+and+pinion+mount+ford

Now it says it only fits 2003 Rangers to present, but it can replace the bushings on an Explorer from 2001. Now aren't Explorers pretty much Rangers, built on the same chassis with just about the same parts? My questions is do you think this kit would work or if you do know of a kit that would fit please tell me lol.

There was also this one I pulled up on AdvanceAuto and looks more like the bushings underneath from what I can remember.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...erm=rack+and+pinion+mount+bushings#fragment-1

 

[Earl43P]

For the amount of work required to replace the bushings shown in your first link, I'd simply replace the <$200 rack.

The second link shows sway bar mount bushings, not steering rack related at all.

Unless you are a well-equipped mechanic, I have serious doubts whether you could even get the OEM mount bushings out of a rack. Will definately require a press or ball joint tool of some strong sort, which means completely removing the rack.

Have you gotten someone to crank the wheel L/R while you watch those bushings? I have serious doubt they are allowing any movement, but you should check for that movement with the weight of the truck on the ground or ramps.

 

[jewalker7842]

The rack itselfs seems pretty solid to the frame. I am just thinking the bushings are worn out and the vibration of the tires from going faster is going up the the steering shaft making it lose resistance. The steering shaft itself when the truck is off I can move back and forth with just my hand, it still has resistance its not like its loose or anything. I am pretty sure I am not supposed to be able to do that. I am just not getting why the steering wheel loses reistance at higher speeds when I have replaced the balljoints, upper control arm, outer tie rods, and shocks. I am really at a loss here. I'm not going to replace a rack for something that may not even be the problem. Bushings seem like the only logical thing right now. Definitely open to easy alternatives lol. I'm no expert mechanic, but I'm just trying to figure out what could possibly be the cause here. It almost seems the play is in the rack itselfs which I wont even bother replacing if that is the case.