steering rack moves

[IdahoKidd]

Put the new poly bushings in the steering rack mounts and the rack itself moves some (too much) when the steering wheel is moved. Asked a buddy about his project and he had the same results. Surely this can't be correct? Anyone have it happen to them? What was the 'fix'

Leonard

[cbuczesk]

Sounds like you have 240Z rack bushings installed in a 260Z/280Z.

Chuck

[zKars]

You have been fooled by a common problem. The 280 rack has a wider spacing on the drivers side bushing flanges, and requires a wider bushing. the poly kits are different for 280 and 240, and the only difference (just about) is that one bushing. Seems like you got the 240 bush in a 280 rack.

I see Chuck beat me to it, Thanks!

[Jeff G 78]

How hard were they to install? The correct bushings are a pain in the arse to seat. If the driver's side bushing went in easy, then I agree with the above posts and you have a 240 kit. I've never had any rack movement after installing new bushings.

[cbuczesk]

How hard were they to install? The correct bushings are a pain in the arse to seat. If the driver's side bushing went in easy, then I agree with the above posts and you have a 240 kit. I've never had any rack movement after installing new bushings.

I recently installed urethane rack bushings in my 240Z race car and neither side was difficult to install. And I did it with the engine in the way. I remember the right side being trickier than the left for me.

Chuck

[IdahoKidd]

They went together relatively easy. Nothing abnormal. It is the correct part number for my 72 240. Buddies car is a 76 280 and he did mention they were difficult. The body of the rack moves perhaps 1/4+ left and right. Almost as though it doesn't pinch it tight enough. Long ways to go before driving it but not comfortable with it like it is. Not sure if shimming it so it is tighter is the answer or buying rubber ones to replace the poly.

I hate little things like this when trying to make progress............. argh!

edit info. Car is 72 240, serial 49052. Rack came out of rubber bushings. Have never driven the car and only assume it was correct rack. Bushings are thicker and maybe wider on one side than other. They are marked upper and lower, left and right. Did not grease these during installation.

Edited July 21, 2012 by IdahoKidd
information

[cbuczesk]

Maybe someone put a 280Z rack in your car? I'll try to measure the opening for the bushing on mine today.

Chuck

[Jeff G 78]

Could the rack have been changed?

[Topz]

Have the same issue on my car, can only find Polyurethane bushings for sale, not rubber bushings...anyone knows where to find rubber bushings? or will the

polyurethan bushings do the job as well as the rubber bushings?

[cbuczesk]

Have the same issue on my car, can only find Polyurethane bushings for sale, not rubber bushings...anyone knows where to find rubber bushings? or will the

polyurethan bushings do the job as well as the rubber bushings?

The poly bushings work better.

Chuck

[jfa.series1]

The poly bushings work better.

Chuck

Mother often said "Be careful what you ask for... you may just get it.".

Agreed, poly bushings do a much better job of holding the rack tightly in place. With that comes a significant loss of compliance in absorbing minor road bumps. I installed poly rack bushings and the steering rod coupler in my rebuild (poly also in the T/C rods, Delrin/aluminum camber adjustment in the LCA). Every road bump is now transmitted directly to the steering wheel, sometimes with some unwanted snap. If I can locate rubber rack bushings, I plan to go back to OE style mounts to reduce harshness.

For a car that is tracked, A/X'd, or similar events, poly is probably the way to go. My ride is strictly for weekend cruising and some shows, a more forgiving steering feel will be just fine.

As Carl says, FWIW.

Jim

[Jeff G 78]

You replaced everything at once, right? I believe that the poly TC bushings are the culprit of the issues. My 280 has poly everything and, like yours, it's brutal. My 260 has poly steering rack bushings only and it has none of the kick or harshness. You might try swapping the TC parts first before you swap the rack bushings.

Mother often said "Be careful what you ask for... you may just get it.".

Agreed, poly bushings do a much better job of holding the rack tightly in place. With that comes a significant loss of compliance in absorbing minor road bumps. I installed poly rack bushings and the steering rod coupler in my rebuild (poly also in the T/C rods, Delrin/aluminum camber adjustment in the LCA). Every road bump is now transmitted directly to the steering wheel, sometimes with some unwanted snap. If I can locate rubber rack bushings, I plan to go back to OE style mounts to reduce harshness.

For a car that is tracked, A/X'd, or similar events, poly is probably the way to go. My ride is strictly for weekend cruising and some shows, a more forgiving steering feel will be just fine.

As Carl says, FWIW.

Jim