2000 Toyota Tacoma - Rack And Pinion Mount Bushings

What are Rack & Pinion Mount Bushings?

The rack and pinion or steering rack on your vehicle is designed to receive the rotational movement of the steering wheel and translate it to lateral movement. As the wheel is turned, gears inside the rack and pinion unit move to push and pull on the tie rods and turn the front wheels. Rack and pinion mount bushings are designed to dampen the vibrations of your vehicle's suspension as you steer and allow the rack and pinion to be mounted securely to the frame of the vehicle. These bushings are often made of rubber or polyurethane, and over time, they can wear out, tear, or become brittle, leading to looseness where the rack and pinion unit mounts to the frame. If one of these bushings is worn or broken, you may hear clicking sounds from the front of your vehicle when you turn. You could also experience steering that feels loose or unusual jerking in the steering wheel due to excessive play and movement of the steering gear itself. If you're noticing any of these symptoms, it could be time to replace your rack and pinion mount bushings, but it's usually best to inspect your tie rods, bushings, and the rack and pinion unit to ensure you've isolated the source of the problem. O'Reilly Auto Parts carries a variety of replacement rack and pinion units, tie rod ends, rack and pinion bushings, and other suspension and steering system parts to help you keep your vehicle driving safely.