How do you remove rack and pinion mounting bushings?

[aerostar fan]

I finally got the rack and pinion removed from my 1990 aerostar. The new rack does not have the insulators and the manual says to remove the insulators and put them in the new rack. How do you remove them? I tried a screwdriver around the edges and I'm afraid I will tear them up trying to get them out. Any ideas? Also, the drivers side tie rod ends is different from the passenger side, but the replacements are both the same. I've attached some photos. Thanks for any help.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You could press the old bushings out, but don't waste time & money if it's not necessary. Check the rubber inside the bushings to see if they are cracked. One tie rod was once replaced so it doesn't match the opposite side.

 

[aerostar fan]

The new rack has big gaps where the bushings should be, so I need to put bushings there. How do I push them out?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Use a C clamp style press. Autozone has them under their free tool loaning program. You pay for the tool then get back your money after you return the tool.

 

[aerostar fan]

Got it! Thanks! Any other advice that I should follow before I install the new one? I'm REAL good at taking things apart, its the putting back together that gets me in trouble.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Using the press is a straight forward job so you shouldn't have any difficulty.