The visible ends of the rubber bushings on the steering gear mounting on my '95 Dakota 2WD are cracked and hardened, and I presume the rest of the bushing has lost elasticity as well, and maybe should be replaced. I haven't noticed any lack of precision in the steering, and all other components seem OK, so replacement of the bushings is more or less on the idea that they might be broke, and so ought to be fixed. A pre-emptive strike, sort of. Neither the Chilton nor Haynes "manuals" gives instructions for replacement of the bushings, and my question is whether you have to remove the steering gear in order to do the job. From the looks of the bushing, it is inserted small end first, and provided the old bushing can be removed without taking the steering gear down, installation of the new should be straightforward. I would much appreciate members' advice on how to determine if the bushings need to be replaced, and the best way to do it.

 

I don't believe it has to be completely removed. Just pulled back off of the frame. The FSM Factory Service Manual has full details. You can download it in the FAQ in this section. Just a few posts above this one.

 

a..where are you going to find replacement ones. b...they will have to be pushed out with something and the new ones pressed in, might be a bit difficult to do under the truck. also when you loosen the rack and move it off the frame the steering rod from the steering colum will seperate and you will need someone to guide it back into place when you re-assamble. i know all this beacuse my 90 the entire unit fell out, ripped right off the frame.......if you grab onto it and wiggle it and it does not move at all then i think this falls under "if it ain't broke don't fix it"!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks very much. I haven't been able to find the FSM download page that you mentioned, but then you might say I'm navigationally challenged on this sort of thing .

 

a. bought them at the local NAPA: Master Ride P/N HB1143 for the 95 Dakota 2WD in question. b. that is my feeling too, that it would be tough to do underneath the vehicle. Thanks especially for your advice about the steering rod. I have given the steering rack the wiggle test, and there was no movement that suggests the bushings are worn, so I guess "it ain't broke". Many thanks to you and again to CrazyRT4x4 for your prompt replies and good advice.