Replacement Instructions for Front Rack & Pinion Mounting Bushings on a 2000 Ford Mustang

The 2000 Ford Mustang base-model Coupe and Convertible were equipped with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine. The 2000 Mustang was also available in a GT Coupe, GT Convertible and SVT Cobra R edition. The GT models came equipped with a 4.6-liter V-8, and the SVT Cobra R came equipped with a 5.4-liter V-8. The rack-and-pinion steering assembly on the 2000 Mustangs is fairly simple to access, due to the fact that its components are forward-mounted on the front K-frame of the car. Replacement of the bushings is essential to holding the rack assembly in place.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the Mustang with a jack. Place jack stands beneath both front K-frame rails, just inward from the front tires. Lower the Mustang onto the jack stands.

2

Lay beneath the front bumper of the Mustang, and slide your body in position to access the steering rack on the front of the car. Raise the jack to the bottom of the steering rack, but do not push up on the rack assembly.

3

Insert an open-end wrench onto the forward-facing mounting nut, on the front of the rack assembly. Insert a 1/2-inch-drive ratchet and socket on the mounting bolt, just behind the K-frame crossmember. Remove the nut from the bolt by turning the nut counterclockwise in relation to its position on the car. Turn the bolt simultaneously with the ratchet and socket.

4

Pull the bolt out of steering rack rearward, using pliers if needed. Remove the forward- and rear-mounted bushings from the steering rack. You may have to push the rack assembly slightly forward off the K-frame to access the rear-facing bushing. If you have trouble accessing the bushing, loosen, but do not remove the second mounting nut and bolt.

5

Lubricate the outsides of the new rack-mount bushings, with bearing grease. Slide the bushings into the front and rear of the rack assembly, by hand. Gently tap either bushing with the side of your fist, if extra force is needed. Do not use a hammer on any of the bushings for installation.

6

Install the rack mounting bolt forward through the K-frame mounting hole, then through the rack assembly. Install the mounting nut onto the bolt. Turn the nut onto the bolt a few threads, but leave the assembly loose-fitting, for ease of access to the second rack mount bushing set.

7

Repeat Steps 3 through 6 to complete the rack-and-pinion mount bushing replacement, on the second side of the Mustang. Insert an open-end wrench onto the mounting nuts, then tighten the mounting bolts snug with your ratchet and socket. Torque the mounting bolts to between 30 and 40 foot-pounds with a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench.

8

Raise the Mustang off the jack stands, then remove the stands from beneath the car. Lower the Mustang to the ground slowly.