I have a 1995 lumina sedan in pretty good shape. it was a gift from a family friend. it has one of the bushings missing - that are on the bolts that mount the rack and pinion to the motor. they are in the middle of the car left to right between the two front wheels.
two mechanics confirmed the one of two was missing. this car was involved in an auto accident hitting a deer a few years ago and while they fixed it all up, body, pain and so forth, maybe they did not put in the other bushing. the mechanic says it is a little round hard rubber piece with a metal center that fits on the bolt that goes up into the engine.
if you know about this car you know that there is a big amount of car metal covering this rack and pinion from the bottom of the car - and that needs to come off to get to the rack and pinion itself and then to the bushing.
i can get the parts - 2 bushings in a package for $20.
but how do my mechanically inclined (and auto saavy and experienced) friend and i remove the other parts and then the r and p - and put on the bushing
first, does the bushing need to be pressed on? or does it just slide over the bolt as a spacer. second, is there a manual or instructions and where - to tell how to remove the parts and then put them back on. even an honest mechanic wants $300. if we can do it for even four to seven or eight hours time it is very much much better for me.
i have ramps and jackstands and we have a lot of tools like heavy duty socket set and some big plyers and some vice grips etc - anything else we need?
and - is putting it back on harder than taking all that stuff off? any tips? i was told it is straightforward but is time consuming. one auto parts store person who says he has done it before estimated only 1-1/2 to 2 hours time to do it. even paying him - better than the regular mechanic.
lLou