Hi all. IHA 92 4WD MPV where the steering has a significant amount of play. example, I would be making a wide right turn onto a freeway on ramp and the steering would feel like it wants to bobble to the left. I was told it is the rack and pinion steering rubber bushings. Can I just replace those or do I have to replace the whole assy? How hard is that to do? I am, fairly adept with mechanics.

Thanks!

 

The steering rack bushings are not only replaceable as separate parts but are very prone to failure, expecially the left side. The oil filter is right above the left bushing and every time the oil filter is removed the rubber bushing gets soaked with old engine oil which eventually destroys it. That bushing unfortunately also control lateral or side to side movement of the rack.
Good test to determine if the bushings are allowing this movevment is this. Get to an area where you will be able to drive straight ahead without turning. At a stop, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left lock and then back to straight ahead. Now drive forward until van is moving in a straight ahead line and note position of the steering wheel. Come to a stop and turn to full right lock and again drive forward so van is moving in a straight forward line. If the position of the steering wheel is now different in order to get van to track in a straight line then is good bet the bushings are bad.
Replacement is fairly self-explanatory when you get the splash shields off to get access to them. 14mm socket and ratchet is all that is needed. You will need to slightly bend the power steering pipes in order to remove the left bushing bracket but otherwise not a difficult job. OE part numbers for new bushings are LA12-32-123 for right side, LA12-32-124 for left and retail for $16.60 and $$18.25 respectively.

 

I heard that before but it has been a long time since I posted on any forum so I wanted to double check. This is very helpful. As for the steering wheel position, it does canter to one side or the other after making a turn and braking.

Thanks, I'll let you know what happens.

Scot