>pros and cons to the three different steering rack mounting systems
>poly, stock and solid aluminum
If installed correctly, there isn't a tremendous difference...
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Test for this defect - open hood, watch rack while turning steering
wheel back and forth 6 inches. No movement of the rack should occur.
Notice the tool pictured in the rear of the manual, I've never heard
of a real one existing. With the radiator, etc. removed, this is
easy to make, the concept being to apply a pre-load to the rubber/poly
prior to tightening the nylocs (not much torque!). Dual Vice-grips or
two wide screwdrivers will work. My method only works if eveything is
clean and loose. I am very careful to center this rack by doing each
side twice. From underneath you can see the location of the edge of
the lower piece referenced to the side, right/left should be the same.
Notice the shims under the OEM installs if its never been removed,
usually one 1/8" shim under one side or the other...
The rubber OEM pieces are usually in good shape (rest of car's rubber is
rotten, but these are in good shape... who knows...), I use poly, but
I rubber works just as well, maybe better.
In most instances, the rack has been removed at some point, and never
installed with pre-load. In many cases I am able to just tighten these
from below with the screwdrivers, etc. and remove all the play - a great
improvement.
1. stock rubber - seems fine to me, absorbs some impact prior to bending
the rack, and absorbs road vibration so steering feels smooth
2. poly bushings - ditto above, harder to pre-load much
3. aluminum - this nails the rack to the frame, notice the oil breath
holes are not covered, you may want to put some rubber over these.
These transmit road vibration to the steering wheel and will bend
the rack upon any contact with a curb, etc.
This is another instance of the "vendors" wanting to "sell" you a solution.
Just tighten the rack with pre-load on the bushings... I usually remove
the 2 brackets, clean it all up, inspect the bushings, and pre-load from
the bottom.
Roger
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Roger G. Bolick, rgb@exact.com 512-794-9567, FAX 512-345-2879
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