Track Bar Bushing movement
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
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Track Bar Bushing movement
How much movement is normal for the rubber track bar bushing? Should there be almost none? Will attach video if I can figure out how to, so far can only upload pictures...
Really interested to know how stock compares to aftermarket such as Moog, or the Readylift adjustable track bar. Trying to tighten up my on center steering feel while on the freeway.
Not mine, but here is a you tube video showing the movement I’m talking about, is this how much the aftermarket ones move? This is what I get just by turning the steering wheel back and forth while sitting still.
Really interested to know how stock compares to aftermarket such as Moog, or the Readylift adjustable track bar. Trying to tighten up my on center steering feel while on the freeway.
Not mine, but here is a you tube video showing the movement I’m talking about, is this how much the aftermarket ones move? This is what I get just by turning the steering wheel back and forth while sitting still.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 8
Interested to hear what others think. I can lay my finger in between the track bar and dog ear and it will move enough to squeeze my finger quite a bit if I’ve got someone in the cab turning the wheel. No idea if that’s normal for the rubber bushing or not.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,426
Likes: 726
From: Wisconsin
Small amounts of movement are normal as the rubber isolator is compressed under load. A rigid none moving joint would echo every road vibration making it unbearable to drive. However, if you are seeing the rubber joint is torn or rotted away, along with tons of slop, then yes its worn out.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 483
Likes: 24
Just curious, do you notice a rattle/knocking feel radiating through the steering wheel when going over certain bumps in the road, not at highway speeds? Maybe sometimes when stopping or pulling out or even making turns with bumps in the road? I'm trying to track down that scenario with mine right now. Of course the dealer couldn't replicate it. But then points out it "may be" the "aftermarket " suspension. I find it funny they mention that even though they couldn't replicate it. My "aftermarket " they mention is only 2" level and a dual steering stabilizer that has been on for a good amount of time
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
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Just curious, do you notice a rattle/knocking feel radiating through the steering wheel when going over certain bumps in the road, not at highway speeds? Maybe sometimes when stopping or pulling out or even making turns with bumps in the road? I'm trying to track down that scenario with mine right now. Of course the dealer couldn't replicate it. But then points out it "may be" the "aftermarket " suspension. I find it funny they mention that even though they couldn't replicate it. My "aftermarket " they mention is only 2" level and a dual steering stabilizer that has been on for a good amount of time
For a rattle or knock, some hard joint or bolted on part is loose, I would inspect the tie rods ends and even check the torque on the track bar bushing where it attaches to the frame; 406 lbs.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
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Small amounts of movement are normal as the rubber isolator is compressed under load. A rigid none moving joint would echo every road vibration making it unbearable to drive. However, if you are seeing the rubber joint is torn or rotted away, along with tons of slop, then yes its worn out.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Just curious, do you notice a rattle/knocking feel radiating through the steering wheel when going over certain bumps in the road, not at highway speeds? Maybe sometimes when stopping or pulling out or even making turns with bumps in the road? I'm trying to track down that scenario with mine right now. Of course the dealer couldn't replicate it. But then points out it "may be" the "aftermarket " suspension. I find it funny they mention that even though they couldn't replicate it. My "aftermarket " they mention is only 2" level and a dual steering stabilizer that has been on for a good amount of time
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 483
Likes: 24
I don’t feel any rattle or knock, just kind of a vague feel on center at highway speeds. Really wondering what difference if any aftermarket track bar bushings make-if they aren’t different than a stock one in good shape. I was thinking they might use harder or less rubber...
For a rattle or knock, some hard joint or bolted on part is loose, I would inspect the tie rods ends and even check the torque on the track bar bushing where it attaches to the frame; 406 lbs.
For a rattle or knock, some hard joint or bolted on part is loose, I would inspect the tie rods ends and even check the torque on the track bar bushing where it attaches to the frame; 406 lbs.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 483
Likes: 24
The knock at low speed was my drag link at 1500 miles. Have someone go lock to lock on the steering. Hold the drag link near the box side joint past the steering stabilizer. You will feel the popping of the joint. I replaced mine with the PMF drag link and haven't had any annoying issues since.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
Mine was replaced at about 30K miles after I finally experienced a death wobble. I looked at the old part and it didn't have any noticable wear. If you're having a wander in your steering it may be from needing more caster. Do you have the stock tires and wheels, or have you put on a lift/level kit?
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Freshman User
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Mine was replaced at about 30K miles after I finally experienced a death wobble. I looked at the old part and it didn't have any noticable wear. If you're having a wander in your steering it may be from needing more caster. Do you have the stock tires and wheels, or have you put on a lift/level kit?
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Freshman User
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I did notice when I rotated the tie rod back and forth that it seemed to rotate very easily (compared to normal) with a metal to metal feel at end of each back and forth rotation, if that makes sense. I've checked all other bolt and nut locations and all were tight. Didnt check the torque on the TB because I dont have that size of torque wrench.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 402
From: Logan, Utah
How much movement is normal for the rubber track bar bushing? Should there be almost none? Will attach video if I can figure out how to, so far can only upload pictures...
Really interested to know how stock compares to aftermarket such as Moog, or the Readylift adjustable track bar. Trying to tighten up my on center steering feel while on the freeway.
Not mine, but here is a you tube video showing the movement I’m talking about, is this how much the aftermarket ones move? This is what I get just by turning the steering wheel back and forth while sitting still.
https://youtu.be/zZWePJghwco
Really interested to know how stock compares to aftermarket such as Moog, or the Readylift adjustable track bar. Trying to tighten up my on center steering feel while on the freeway.
Not mine, but here is a you tube video showing the movement I’m talking about, is this how much the aftermarket ones move? This is what I get just by turning the steering wheel back and forth while sitting still.
https://youtu.be/zZWePJghwco
I believe this bushing is the cause of death wobble. My aftermarket trackbar stopped it completely. It has a bearing instead of a bushing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
They replaced the track bar with a new stock one and they also replaced the steering damper with a new stock one. The death wobble only happens to my truck when I go down into CO on I25. Going southbound near Wellington or the Budweiser plant there are some rough pavement joints. It seems to happen when I hit one of those. Up here in WY I haven't had any problems but the roads are much nicer than in CO.