KZN185 Steering Rack Bush Replacement?

[karl higgs]

Hello All,
I've just received a new 'Roughtrax' Steering Rack Bush Kit for my 3rd Gen, KZN185. I managed to undo all the nuts and bolts that hold the rack in place, however I can not see how the bushes can be removed without removing the whole rack assembly.
I have searched the forum (including the parksoffroad web link) a few members have suggested to pry the rack backwards in order to remove the bushes, is this the case? or am I going to damage or possibly bend pipes etc, is there something I have missed along the way or is it simply down to levering the rack back from the front cross member, any info would be much appreciated.

[TonyN]

or is it simply down to levering the rack back from the front cross member, any info would be much appreciated.

Yup, the hoses and pipes are fine, once they are disconnected from the D bush bracket there is lots of flex in them.

You only need to get it far enough back to get the center bush out, its not far.

Jack it up a little to help the front tyres swivel as you pull rack back if it helps.

[karl higgs]

Thank you Tony, your advise is much appreciated.

[karl higgs]

Hello Tony, just one quick question, the kit is supplied with just one large steel washer (image attached) is the washer to be used in place of an existing or as an additional washer? thanks again for your help.

[TonyN]

It's as well as the one one the truck, that stays where it is, if you look at your old bush its got a metal disk bonded to it on one end, the washer is this part of the new bush (the larger two piece one).

[karl higgs]

Fantastic, thanks again Tony.

[karl higgs]

Hello Tony,
I managed to get all the bushing into place, your tip about raising the front wheels was a god send, with regard to tightening the nuts and bolts, do I tighten them to any specific torque setting? as the bush kit instructions are pretty vague to say the least, once again, thanks for your help.