The invention provides a replaceable bushing in the base of a nozzle of a hot runner assembly and provides access through a manifold and a rear plate for removal and replacement of the bushing without having to disassemble the hot runner assembly. According to one embodiment of the invention, an actuator access port is provided for removing the valve pin actuator and a bushing access port is provided for accessing the bushing upon removal of the valve pin actuator, both of which may be removed from a second or rear plate of the injection molding assembly.