Electric Steering Rack Damper Bushing

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dnt1010

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09 Tahoe Hybris 205k miles. Alignment shop says steering damper bushing is bad. Here is a video showing the bushing movement. The issue is diagnosed by jacking passenger side up so the wheel clears the ground and moving the wheel in a right / left motion by hand. (need a second person to help) The passenger side wheel moves quite noticeably while the drivers side is perfectly still. The play in the bushing allows the toe angle setting to change as you drive destroying your front tires over time. Problem is the dealerships say the bushing is only available with a complete new hybrid electric steering assembly at over 2k. From doing some research it looks to me like the same bushing for the NonHybrid Hyd steering rack should fit. It is only 8 bones so ordered from Rock Auto yesterday and I will try it and see. I got to do something as my 250 dollar each Nitto grapplers are wearing badly.

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dnt1010

dnt1010

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Update the rpelacement bushing GM part #22960484 DOES NOT fit. The diameter is the same but the Hybrid electric unit utilizes a wider bushing. (see pics below) The old bushing has a set of letter numbers NR+BR-0-S4532-B7010-A but nothing comes up on a google search. Back to square 1 on parts search. I have contacted a steering rack remanufacturer company to see if they will sell me the bushing only. I will update if anything happens on that. For right now I am going to cut a piece of brass shim stock and attempt to space the existing bushing and reinstall it. If I place the brass rolled shim between the old bushing and the bracket it will be trapped and may suffice for a semi-permanent fix. All the silly thing has to do is prevent the rack from shifting. If I am successful I will post a procedure and pics. Either way I am NOT paying 2k for a replacement steering rack just because a 10 dollar bushing is bad, that is total BS and against my principles Hahahaha
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Doubeleive

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Have you tried looking at bushings for the bigger gm trucks? like the HD diesels maybe one of those uses something more compatible
 
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dnt1010

dnt1010

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Good idea, now that I have removed it and I know the actual dimensions I may see what I can find that compares. I find it VERY suspicious that the bushing is that unusual. That would not be normal mode of operation for GM Hahaha
 

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dnt1010

dnt1010

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Nothing listed there but thanks. The bushing change-out is pretty easy if a person had a replacement bushing it would be less than an hour in your driveway. I of course spent hours finding and cutting shims and cussing LOL. Just loosen remove the underbody shields and loosen the drivers side steering rack mounting bolts several turns, then remove the passenger side rack mount bolts. This alllows the rack to move a little so the bracket with the bushing slides off the passenger side end easily. Note: there is a wiring clip that has a bolt (10mm wrench) that threads into the bracket that has to come off. I was able to remove/save and reuse the SS boot clamp on the bellows. I cleaned the steering rack body/inside of mounting bracket and inserted my custom brass shim, then popped the old busing back in. The assembly fit tightly onto the rack body and I had to lightly tap the mounting block with a hammer to get it to slide back in place. I see no play now. IMG_7680.jpg
To diagnose yours just jack up the pasenger wheel, turn wheel all the way to the right and then have a helper grab the tire and try to move it right to left while you check the bushing for play. if it is lose, then the tire movement makes the toe change as you drive, you wll get tire wear/possible thump when turning and it drives funny on highway. My front Nitto Grapplers have cupping that is what made me go attempt an alignment luckily I have a guy that actually checks stuff. Most alignment shops do not check very well the part has to almost fall off and hit them in the foot for them to say anything.
 
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dnt1010

dnt1010

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Currently at 214,000 miles (bought at 195,000 last November) and driving very good. The brass shim Fix is GOOD TO GO as a permanent fix. Took it back to the alignment shop and they were happy with the fix. Nitto Grapplers are doing well now with around 30k on them (had around 10k from previous owner) they look about 1/2 worn. I am very happy with this ole beater ride LOL. Almost would rather drive it than My New Sierra Denali. It may blow up tomorrow but I would not hesitate to take her on a long trip at anytime. GREAT JOB GM
 

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