steering rack bushes

[bozothenutter]

anybody ever change their steering rack bushes for solid ones?
does it make a difference (except for more vibration etc?)

how easy are they to do?

 

[Tony Hunter]

I would just use new genuine ones.

Sorry I know that doesn't answer your question.

 

[mr.pink87]

Are solid ones even available?

 

[NorthloopCup]

Are solid ones even available?

Yes through Noos or seiz over on cliors-concept mate. They offer some stiffer nylon alternatives.

 

[NorthloopCup]

anybody ever change their steering rack bushes for solid ones?
does it make a difference (except for more vibration etc?)

how easy are they to do?

I've fitted solid rack mounts to another car I own and it makes the steering feel sharper, but at the expense of more road noise and vibrations.

Having removed a rack on a Clio, I'd say to fit the bushes is a bit of a pita tbh. With the engine in and subframe attached it's far from a nice job to do, but entirely doable.

 

[p@blo]

Are solid ones even available?

Yes - 7711129365

 

[bozothenutter]

ok, so knowing myself.....i'll have to plan a whole day for it...

 

[Chip-mk1]

Its a bit fiddly to change rack bushes, but doesnt take very long.

Personally I would just use standard though, they are very firm anyway when new, its only when totally knackered there is any give in them really, people saying that solid ones made a huge difference probably would have found 99% of that difference if they went for new standard ones.

 

[Tigger]

Anyone have a guide on changing them?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Anyone have a guide on changing them?

There isnt really much to write a guide about TBH.

Its only 2 bolts on each one (13mm iirc)


I loosen one side first, then undo the other side completely.

That way there is enough movement to allow you to get it out.

Make sure you locate properly on the little tab on the bush

Before you tighten the first one you have changed up, undo the other one completely and replace that too, then tighten both up.


Ie make sure at least one is always on loosely (to stop the rack moving too much) but have the one you arent working on loosened off.


Its very simple, but just a bit of a pig to get to the bolts.

 

[Tigger]

Ok, and the clamps just pull off when the bolts are undone I presume?

Might look into replacing these to try get rid of the very loud crack I'm getting in the steering (Renault tell me I cant buy the bushes seperate though)
I have an SMI rack if it makes any difference

 

[Chip-mk1]

They are all SMI, I have never seen a sport with anything else.

Yes the clamp just pulls off, the bush though wraps around, which is why you need to loosen the other end so you can lever it out enough to take the old one off and wrap the new one on.

I bont believe them being worn would cause a crack sound, mine were utterly destroyed and still made no such noise.

 

[Tigger]

Dam! Only get the noise turning the wheels when stationary anyway
I'm having wishbones replaced anyway as I have some play in the balljoints and possibly powerflex bushes put in them if I figure out where to position the metal sleeve & weld them

My mechanic is betting this bottom dollar the cracking noise is a ball joint on it's way out so I'm hoping its that!

 

[Chip-mk1]

My best guess for the noise you are getting is the insides of the rack itself.

 

[Tigger]

That is indeed my fears at the moment trying to eliminate all other possibilities

 

[Jon.G]

Just keep a lookout for new racks on ebay. I managed to pick a brand new one up for a fraction of the price. Not much to get it fitted either.

Has anyone got a part number for genuine bushes for the rack? (not solid)

 

[Tony Hunter]

Just keep a lookout for new racks on ebay. I managed to pick a brand new one up for a fraction of the price. Not much to get it fitted either.

Has anyone got a part number for genuine bushes for the rack? (not solid)

I have somewhere, but just go into Renault and ask, that's what I did.

 

[jack_davey]

My local dealer did me a service exchange rack for a customers car I was working on, was very reasonably priced.

 

[BIGASH]

My local dealer did me a service exchange rack for a customers car I was working on, was very reasonably priced.

Less than £200?

 

[jack_davey]

only just over