About to swap out the original rack bushings and am told this can be done without removing (just lowering the rack to access the bushings. Is this correct or must I release the pinion to column pinch bolt?

 

I used to do this repair a few decades ago with a special tool.
A 'cup&piston' type tool with a threaded rod to remove and replace the bushings.
Something like this.

 

Moss sells the tool but at $70 - ouch. I bought one a few years back when they were closer to $40 and still felt I over paid. Use a couple sockets and a piece of threaded rod.

 

You can also us a deep well socket with some all thread rode, washers and nuts to get the press in originals out I would recommend using the Urethane replacement bushings They do not have to be pressed in and should never wear out. My 2 cents worth.

Wooford XJR

 

I replaced the o.e.m. rubber bushings in my '84 years ago and I don't recall having to undo the pinch bolt, the rack will come down low enough to remove the old bushes and fit the new ones.

I used the kit from John's Cars in Dallas which came with instructions. You might call them to confirm:
www.johnscars.com

 

I replaced the steering rack rubber bushes with poly bushings in my 1980 S3 over 15 years ago and they are still tight.

 

I recall not having to release the pinch bolt when replacing the steering rack bushings on an XJS several years ago. But I did have to release the pinch bolt when replacing the bushings on my SIII V12. I'd give it try without removing the pinch bolt, it's not fun trying to get the bolt back in place.