prothane steering rack bushings
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
prothane steering rack bushings
Has anyone replaced their steering rack bushings with prothane?
Yesterday I went to install the large O shaped bushing and am surprised to see that's its a loose fit on the rack. I have maybe 1mm of slack between the rack diameter and the bushing inside diameter.
I checked and it's the right part number.
Anyone else install these and notice this?
Yesterday I went to install the large O shaped bushing and am surprised to see that's its a loose fit on the rack. I have maybe 1mm of slack between the rack diameter and the bushing inside diameter.
I checked and it's the right part number.
Anyone else install these and notice this?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 132
Likes: 3
From: CRYSTAL RIVER FL.
7-702-BL was the part no. I used several years ago. Fit snug. Came with a complete suspension kit for a 1992.
Has your steering rack ever been replaced? Or, maybe there are slight differences between years?
Has your steering rack ever been replaced? Or, maybe there are slight differences between years?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
That's the same as my part number... The kit is the same for all years.
I have no idea about the rack being replaced, it could have happened before I got it. I'll have to look up how to check that out
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 132
Likes: 3
From: CRYSTAL RIVER FL.
I meant, perhaps there are differences in rack diameters between years. GM bean counters do that. A penny saved on each unit adds up.
In 1992 they recommended using only Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Not because the new LT1 was special. But because they deleted the engine oil cooler.
Just saying.
In 1992 they recommended using only Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Not because the new LT1 was special. But because they deleted the engine oil cooler.
Just saying.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
I meant, perhaps there are differences in rack diameters between years. GM bean counters do that. A penny saved on each unit adds up.
In 1992 they recommended using only Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Not because the new LT1 was special. But because they deleted the engine oil cooler.
Just saying.
In 1992 they recommended using only Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Not because the new LT1 was special. But because they deleted the engine oil cooler.
Just saying.
Well the weird thing is that the old rubber one fits nice and snug. I have a new poly bushing ordered from a different company this time, I'll see if that one fits.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
No, there are two bushings for the steering rack, one has a metal sleeve that goes through the center, I got that one installed today. The other big bushing goes on the end of the rack near the tie rod boot, it slides over the rack end and surrounds it, like a big "O". That's the one that's loose, I have maybe a millimeter of slack between the circumference of the rack and the inner circumference of the bushing, just enough so I can wobble it. If I cut an aluminum can I could probably shim it out...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
Update: I received the new poly bushings today. Unfortunately the new bushing was also loose, a little less, but still loose. The new bushings were noticeably softer so I decided to go with the prothane.
I decided to use the alum can technique, so I cut a strip the width of the bushing and used it to shim out the rack.
I'll see what it's like when it's all bolted up.
I decided to use the alum can technique, so I cut a strip the width of the bushing and used it to shim out the rack.
I'll see what it's like when it's all bolted up.
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From: Melbourne, FL
Have you contacted prothane to see what they say? Might be supposed to squash down? What's the measurement inside your bushing? I haven't installed mine yet so I can measure mine and see if it's different.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
I didn't contact prothane. I asked for this bushing set for xmas, don't remember who got it for me and am sure whoever did get it doesn't remember where they got it from.
I can't measure it because it's been installed and the boot is back on.
I compared the new one (that I didn't use) vs the original and my fingers can't feel a difference in the inside diameter. I don't have anything that can measure that fine of a difference, definitely less than 1/16". The new one is a little harder than the original rubber, but not a lot. I could see it squishing down.
The prothane feels like a block of plastic in comparison.