Introduction
There are several ways to access and replace the power steering column bushing. This install is best done when the engine is removed from the car; however, it can still be done with everything intact, albeit with a bit more effort. This write-up will walk you through some of the various methods.
The OEM rubber bushing is made for comfort, which also makes steering feel numb. The DiF power steering bushing improves steering feel. This is recommended for racers or enthusiasts who want to be more in tuned with their car’s suspension feel.
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With the engine out you can easily access the power steering column bushing.
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Remove the knurled adapter that attaches the steering column to the power steering rack.
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Depending on when it was last adjusted, you may want to soak the bolts & knurled parts in some penetrating oil to loosen everything up.
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A rubber mallet may also be used to help loosen seized/rusty areas.
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Remove the two bolts holding the adapter to the column and rack
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Slowly wiggle and turn the adapter loose. It is typically easier to pull the adapter away from the power steering rack first, then the column
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Image 1: If you are having trouble, lowering the engine cross member will help give you more room to work.
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Lower the cross member with the four nuts connecting the cross member to frame still attached to studs & nuts to the engine mounts.
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If lowering the cross member the car must be on jack stands.
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Once the adapter is removed, you will need to remove two 12mm nuts (gold color) holding the bottom half of the steering column from the main portion.
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Long and/or short socket extension will help here.
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Note that there are also tw o13mm bolts present; do not try to remove these bolts, they are not meant to be removed.
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PB Blaster/penetrating oil is recommended for those two 12mm nuts as they may never have been removed since installation from factory
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After you remove the nuts, the part of the column containing the bushing should just slide out.
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The Bushing is still held on by two more 12mm nuts on the opposite side connected to the two black bolts we mentioned earlier.
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Remove the nuts and metal/plastic spacers on the OEM power steering column bushing.
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You will reuse the metal/plastic bushing parts on the DIF power steering bushing unit.
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Since the DIF power steering bushing is machine to very exact specs, you will need to hammer or use a vice to get them in.
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We used a hammer- the spacers went in without much hassle.
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Install is reverse of removal.
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Option 1: You can repeat the steps above (without engine) by first putting the car on jack stands.
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It is recommended to remove the header, AIV, EGR, and lower the engine cross member for easy access to the bushing.
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The rest of the steps are the same as previously stated.
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Lowering the cross member via loosening the four nuts holding the cross member to the frame and the four nuts holding the engine mounts to the engine bracket and cross member are essential here.
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Option 2: You can also remove the entire steering column from the interior in order to install the DIF power steering bushing.
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It may be difficult to re install the steering column with one person is tricky
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The area where two of the bolts line up with the steering column may become tweaked or need realigning during removal and install
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On the engine bay side, remove the knurled rack to column adapter as per the instructions above.
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In passenger compartment, remove steering column plastic shroud by removing several philips screws visible from bottom of steering column.
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Once that is out of the way, there are two 12mm bolts holding the front of the steering column up; 2, 12mm nuts toward the middle of the column, and 3 10mm nuts holding steering column to firewall
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From here, you can wiggle and remove the steering column for easier access to the bushing.
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