When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The steering wheel on my 1999 Lexus ES300 is so unresponsive. In order to park I have to turn the steering wheel all the way to one side in order for the wheel to turn.
I took it to the mechanic shop and they said it needs new bushings. However, in order to access these bushings, they need to remove the entire steering rack, which is about 5 hours in labor.
If anyone has experience with this issue, is this reasonable or are they trying to overcharge me? To replace the bushings do you have to remove the rack?
Diy. Remove wheels, disconnect tie rod ends from hubs. Drain power steering system by removing the low pressure hose connection from the lowest point in the system (the rack and pinion). Drop subframe by placibg a jack under rear crossmember, loosening rear subframe bolts and slowly dropping the subframe. Remove bolts on clamps holding r&p in place. Disconnect steering column from r&p. Disconnect lines from r&p. Remove r&p. Install new bushings.
It is very expensive. But it is not difficult at all. Some folks say to unbolt the struts from the towers and just use the jack to support it. I prefer to use the struts and the jack to control how far down I let the subframe drop. It will drop significantly at first but if you lower the jack steadily it isn't too hard to do. Local guy near me wants $1500 to replace my leaking R&P. I said no way. I am going to do mine myself, the part will be here monday or tuesday. I will be replacing the bushings at the same time.
I need the same.Both RockAuto and O'reilly's say I only need one side but the rack has two mounting bolts. I was going to purchase two of the following bushings, unless they come in a pair.
This image shows one bushing on the driver side (Left) going through the rack hole and the other wrapping around the rack. I found these bushings too but not for a Lexus, I think it was for a Camry.
08-23-18, 04:32 PM
'99 ES300 Rack and Pinion Bushings
