Looks like I'll need to replace the steering rack bushings.

 

Anyone done this job can give me a heads up on it?

 

Also, are they available after market, or will I need to go to Subaru for them?

they're not that difficult to replace. i'd call it a 3 on a level of 1-10, not hard at all.

 

almost positive i've done it before by not removing much of anything. remove the brackets holding the steering rack in place and slide the old bushings out (if any remains ) and slide the new ones in. tight getting them in, but i recall getting them to slide in without removing the entire rack or anything - just remove the two brackets that hold the bushings in place.

 

i used whiteline bushings i think they were called - they're yellow and aftermarket.

 

what i can't recall is if you have to unbolt the exhaust manifold to get to them, but that's not a big deal either.

I've read about whitelines and doubt I would like them. Sounds like they make a harsh ride harder.

 

This is my first outback, and compared to the Lego, it feels like a truck, even with new shocks and good tires.

 

Hopefully I can find rubber aftermarket and order them with the new boot for the axle.

Just put the Whitelines on my Wagon. I don't feel any difference in NVH, and the car tracks perfectly straight now. Plus the polyurethane won't deteriorate because of oil.

I got them from "fast-imports" on Ebay for $37ish shipped priority mail.

Just put the Whitelines on my Wagon. I don't feel any difference in NVH, and the car tracks perfectly straight now. Plus the polyurethane won't deteriorate because of oil.

I got them from "fast-imports" on Ebay for $37ish shipped priority mail.

 

Well maybe what I read about them feeling hard was wrong. Was the installation like Grossgary said?

just get regular rubber or Subaru bushings or order them from rockauto or thepartsbin.com.

 

i've never noticed any difference with the steering rack bushings. my *guess* is that comes more with sway bar end links or something that sees more movement. i've read that before too and have no interest in noises.

Anyone have a part number for the subaru part? None of the online parts places I have checked, have them listed.