Replace your steering rack bushings!

[dustin]

The best front suspension modification that I have done to date. The rubber bushings are extremely flexible. The rubber bushing flex equals to the "loose" feeling you have in your steering wheel.

I replaced mine with MM aluminum rack bushings last night. This should have been the first modification that I performed to my Cobra. I think that all mustang owners should at least replace their stock steering rack bushings with $20 urethane bushings.

The improved steering response is incredible and I am extremely happy with the modification. :rockon:

 

[Kevin the Clean 1]

dustin,

Because of your recomendation I'm going to buy a set of MM aluminum steering rack bushings now... :beer:

 

[ShelbyGuy]

dont forget the solid steering shaft. those two mods make the car go where its pointed.

 

[etfhb]

Is an alignment needed after the install?

 

[SpectorV]

how much feedback are you getting in the steering wheel

 

[sleepless]

I just put in these aluminum bushings and am very pleased with the results. Lots of good feedback and no drawbacks that I can detect.

 

[nightstalker865]

How hard is the steering shaft to install?

I will agree on the bushings. I am very happy with mine.

 

[Trick Pony]

How hard is the steering shaft to install?

I will agree on the bushings. I am very happy with mine.

Steering shaft is super easy. IIRC there is just a bolt at the bottom that holds the shaft to the notched shaft coming out of the rack and another one up top under the dash. Once you've got those out you just take it loose from the rack and then slide it out of the firewall bushing.

 

[nightstalker865]

Steering shaft is super easy. IIRC there is just a bolt at the bottom that holds the shaft to the notched shaft coming out of the rack and another one up top under the dash. Once you've got those out you just take it loose from the rack and then slide it out of the firewall bushing.

Thanks I might look into doing one someday.

 

[nightstalker865]

Funny people are saying that the factory rack bushings are soft. I took mine out and could not believe how stiff they were. I did have them replaced once by FORD while the car was still under warranty. I wonder if they used an upgraded bushing? I do like the feel of the aluminum ones better though.

 

[SlowSVT]

I believe the Cobra steering rack bushings are made from a harder rubber then the regular Mustangs.

 

[Juruense]

I installed the MM urethane rack bushings on my GT it made a big difference. I plan to go with the aluminum bushing on my Cobra that I have now. Its is actually pretty easy to change the rack bushings. I highly recommend this mod.

My GT bushings were fairly soft rubber which had started to degrade (car had 60k miles).

 

[T.O.Snake]

If I've got creaking in the front suspension, I've heard this is due to the steering rack bushings - is this true (i.e. anyone had this experience?)_

If it IS the case, should I consider swapping to aluminum bushings, rather than just getting stock ones replaced under warranty? Will this permanently cure that problem?

Thanks!

 

[nightstalker865]

If I've got creaking in the front suspension, I've heard this is due to the steering rack bushings - is this true (i.e. anyone had this experience?)_

If it IS the case, should I consider swapping to aluminum bushings, rather than just getting stock ones replaced under warranty? Will this permanently cure that problem?

Thanks!

Yes, the aluminum bushings will fix the creak and give you better feel. Win-win situation.

 

[T.O.Snake]

Yes, the aluminum bushings will fix the creak and give you better feel. Win-win situation.

Cool stuff - I'll have to keep that in mind :beer:

 

[dustin]

You will need an alignment after installation.
You do need to make sure your tires are well balanced and that you have a good alignment. I do have a little more vibration in the steering wheel after the installation. The solid feel in my opinion offsets any little bit of increased vibration.

 

[Juruense]

You will not need an alignment after installing rack bushings.

However its always a good idea to get an alignment if you have not done it in a while...

 

[3Dglasses]

I did my alum. MM bushings and it took me 3 tries to get the steering wheel to be straight while I was driving straight. So, if you can take the time to "adjust" the bushings (I had quite a bit of play before I tightened them) a couple of times you may not "require" an alignment, but I would recommend one! I got a 4 wheel alignment soon after.

Oh, and it got rid of the creak that I HATED!!!! so much. I love them!

P.S. I've heard the polys will creak after you put them in anyways. I have had the aluminum in for a year with nothing but happiness..

 

[cobraCMDR]

Good info! And a good time for me to do them since I'm putting H&R race springs in too. ORDERED! Thanks guys!

 

[Rob04SVT]

I went searching for the installation instructions for those who are as ignorant on these things as myself:

This for installation with stock K-members.

There is a different part number and installation for upgraded K-members Here

Hope this helps!:beer: