Beefing up Power steering rack.

[CrashTestDummy]

It's those big wheels and the valets cranking the wheel left and right, probably with the truck stationary that's killing your bushings.

While I have NO clue how big those bushings are, they do have that gap that I've seen on other GM vehicle rear end cradle bushings. Those wanting more performance-oriented drivers of those cars have updated the bushings, and/or used inserts that insert delrin into those open areas with little-to-no increase in NVH. Perhaps it's something to look at:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bmr-bk016/overview/year/2011/make/chevrolet/model/camaro

 

[08grey]

Wow this is a great idea. How would I guess at a compatible size.

 

[Clean07Burb]

View attachment 34054


This is the main support for the rack. They wear out super fast.

I understand the bushings are going out, but you said this play drives you crazy. Is it just because you know the play is there, or is there some perceptible feel in the steering wheel when they go out?

 

[08grey]

When the bushings go you feel the road in the steering wheel. It's a complete 360 from how it feels with fresh bushings and a right front end.

 

[Clean07Burb]

When the bushings go you feel the road in the steering wheel. It's a complete 360 from how it feels with fresh bushings and a right front end.

I feel just about every little bump in the road, but it "rides" good if that makes any sense. I always assumed I could feel everything through the wheel because of the oversized wheels and drop spindles because it almost goes away when I put the stock wheels back on. Maybe my rack needs replaced. I do have 170k miles on my truck...

 

[08grey]

Depends on how tight your front end is ball joints n such. If everything is worn equally I

would just leave it.

 

[justin kieffer]

View attachment 34054


This is the main support for the rack. They wear out super fast.

what if we made those bushings solid? say with aluminum or steel? or a mix? i have access to a lathe and just made new dif mounts for my audi- pretty lathe happy at the moment. can make some solids if these things are crapping out on you all the time.

 

[08grey]

On the Camaro they make a poly insert for the similar type bushings that he rear its on. That would be the best route.

 

[Truestyle Scott]

See my post on my topic about this. I kind of found a fix, cheap and easy and works, just not conventional.
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/loose-steering-feel-lower-steering-shaft.76587/#post-948954

 

[Clean07Burb]

@Truestyle Scott

Where did you put the coil spring booster? In between the rack and frame?