Steering Rack Bushing replacement.

I know some people have had a hard time replacing the steering rack bushings on the 02-03 WRXs, I have heard people have trouble with the drivers side bushing so I thought I would do a write up on how to do it quickly and easily.
This should be an easy project for anyone with a couple of tools and some jack stands. not a three hour ordeal filled with cursing and broken knuckles.
Im sorry I dont have any pictures. ill try to get some when I do the rest of my bushings next week.

This should all be done while your steering wheel is locked in a straight position.
When you look at your new bushings, one will be square while the the other is circular. The circular bushing is the passenger side bushing.

Step 1: Jack the car up, High, as high as you can while still reaching the steering column.

Step 2: Remove the C shaped plate off of the under side of the passenger side of the steering rack.

Step 3: Using a Flat head screw driver and a pair of pliers, pull the old bushing out, it has a cut in it and should be soft enough to just slip off. you may even be able to just pull it by hand.

Step 4: spread the polyurathane bushing around the rack, it takes some force, dont be shy. It will slip on.

Step 5: Replace the bracket, but dont tighten it down yet, leave some room for it to wiggle, you will want the space for when you do the drivers side.

Step 6: Remove the drivers side bracket.

Step 7: Loosen a bolt on the universal joint on your steering column, it will allow the rack to drop an extra half inch, making it very simple to remove the bushing. DO NOT REMOVE THIS BOLT COMPLETELY. it can be difficult to put back.

Step 8: Using a flathead screw driver and a pair of needle nose pliers, remove the old bushing, it is soft and made of rubber and you dont like it anyway, who cares if it rips.

Step 9: Spread the new polyurethane bushing around the rack and slide into place.

Step 10: replace bracket and tighten, Tighten passenger bracket and make sure to tighten the steering column bolt again.

Step 11: Enjoy!

 

...and don't forget to liberally grease the new bushings, inside and out.

 

Yes! This! And if you do this, step 7 is optional...

 

Step 7 makes things a little easier.
And yes, I did forget to mention the grease. apply, liberally to avoid squeeks

 

good write-up!

 

How long did it end up taking you with this method? I've wanted to do this for awhile but the install being a PITA has kept me from getting them.

 

Took a grand total of 45 min. working lazily, with a smoke break. We take lots of smoke breaks.

 

That's awesome! I have to pick up a set of these now.