Steering Rack Bushings

• Usually made from polyurethane, a steering rack bushing is used to absorb the shocks and vibrations in the steering system to ensure stability while driving.
• Generally, automotive bushings like the steering rack bushing should be replaced at least once in a car’s lifetime.
• Symptoms of a worn-out steering rack bushing include clunky or popping noises from the steering and loose or shaky steering.
• Consider durability, compatibility, and product warranty when shopping for a steering rack bushing replacement.
• An aftermarket steering rack bushing may cost anywhere between $8 and $90.

The vehicle’s steering system is composed of the steering wheel, steering column, intermediate shaft, and the steering rack. The steering rack is basically a metal casing that houses the rack and pinion gears, which convert the rotational movement of the steering wheel into the lateral movement of the vehicle’s wheels.

The steering rack plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth drivability of your car. However, just like the other steering components in your ride, it can act up and prevent you from controlling the direction of your vehicle. One part that may cause this issue is a faulty steering rack bushing.

A steering rack bushing is usually made from polyurethane. It is an integral part of the steering rack, and its main function is to absorb the shocks and vibrations in the steering system to ensure stability while driving. This allows you to steer your vehicle in the direction that you want effortlessly.

In general, the bushings of your vehicle should be replaced at least once in your car’s lifetime. This also applies to your steering rack bushing. However, depending on several factors like age and driving conditions, your steering rack bushing may fail prematurely. Once you notice that your bushing is worn out and causing other steering problems, find a replacement immediately.

The steering rack bushing may be small, but when it fails, it can cause a host of problems in your vehicle’s steering system. It can make driving difficult since the steering is not in optimal condition. If you want to know when to replace your steering rack bushing, here are some telltale signs to watch out for:

Clunking noises

The steering rack bushing is designed to minimize the vibrations as well as the metal-to-metal contact between parts in the steering system. If it is unable to perform this function properly, you will likely hear noises coming from the vehicle’s steering system. This is most likely to happen when you go over bumps, cracks, or potholes on the road. Much like the other bushings in your car, a steering rack bushing cannot be repaired, so it must be replaced when it becomes faulty.

Loose or shaky steering wheel

If the steering wheel feels loose or makes sudden movements to the left or right without your input, you may have a worn-out steering rack bushing. More than just an annoying problem, it can also jeopardize your safety on the road. To fix this issue, have a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle’s steering system from the steering wheel down to the steering rack. Once a faulty steering rack bushing is established as the culprit, it’s best to make the necessary replacement as soon as possible.

Popping noises from the steering

When it is in good condition, a steering rack bushing should be able to prevent various steering components from moving too much. But if it is worn out, parts and joints in the steering box can get misaligned. This can produce a popping sound when you turn the steering wheel. This particular problem can lead to more severe issues in the steering system. To correct this problem, you’ll need expert assistance.  Have a mechanic sort out your misaligned steering components and replace your bad steering rack bushing.

Your vehicle’s steering system is crucial for stress-free and safe driving. If you want to keep it in top condition, make sure that you replace a failing steering rack bushing with a high-quality component. Here are some things that you need to consider to find the best replacement:

Durability

The wear and tear that comes with the steering rack bushing’s function is no joke. Friction and heat can cause the part to deteriorate quickly. So if you want your replacement bushing to last, make sure that it is made from quality materials. By doing this, you can have peace of mind that the part you’re getting can provide a long service life.

Fit

Aside from durability, one of the most important things that you need to consider is fit. You need to get a replacement steering rack bushing that is designed to directly replace your factory-installed component. This is to make sure that the bushing is compatible with the steering system of your vehicle and will work flawlessly. Ensuring compatibility also ensures a hassle-free installation process since no modifications will be required to make the replacement steering rack bushing fit into your ride.

Product warranty

Make sure to get a replacement steering rack bushing with a product warranty. This is to ensure that you are protected in case you get a defective or substandard product. If the bushing fails after only a few weeks, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund depending on the warranty that came with it. That said, read the warranty terms and conditions carefully before purchasing.

You can buy an aftermarket steering rack bushing for anywhere between $8 and $90. Typically, you can get this part as a single component, in sets of various quantities, or as part of a steering rack bushing kit.

If you want to speed up your search for the right replacement part, feel free to use our website’s vehicle selector. You simply need to plug in your vehicle’s year, make, and model to narrow down the search results to only applicable parts. Take your pick from our top-quality steering rack bushings.