rubber, poly vs solid steering rack bushings

[hymodyne]

I'm especially interested folks thoughts on the solid steering rack mounts I've seen available versus polyurethane ones.

any advice would be appreciated

hym

 

[SkinnedKnuckles]

I replaced rubber with solid mounts, but found the feel on the wheel a bit harsh. Went to polyurethane and am very pleased,

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Replaced mine with the Goodparts solid mounts. Very happy with them.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd

 

[trrdster2000]

All, Poly won't cracker.

Or wear out very fast. Sorry, couldn't resist.


wayne

 

[DougF]

I had polyurethane on my car qnd was very disappointed when they wore out after about 40,000 miles. Replaced them with Richard Good's solid bushings...In the beginning you feel a lot through the wheel but eventually it's not noticable.
I definitely prefer the solid ones.

 

[DNK]

It would take most of these peoples cars about 15-20 years to get that kind of distance on the bushings.

 

[booley]

i've heard of using one solid mount along with one poly to eliminate some of the harshness.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

I have solid, along with a "quick rack". I like it. I also have two u-joints in the column rather than the rubber couplers.

 

[3798j]

Add my vote for the solid mounts. I think it added some precision to the steering and the feel is not objectionable. They're much easier to install than the bushings too.

 

[HerronScott]

I have solid, along with a "quick rack". I like it. I also have two u-joints in the column rather than the rubber couplers.

Two? I converted the lower one to the TR6 one. What did you do for yours (especially the upper)? Have any pictures?

Scott

 

[Darrell_Walker]

I have solid, along with a "quick rack". I like it. I also have two u-joints in the column rather than the rubber couplers.

Two? I converted the lower one to the TR6 one. What did you do for yours (especially the upper)? Have any pictures?

Scott

I also used the TR6 u-joints. It was pretty much a drop-in fit, as I recall, the u-joints are just a bit longer that the rubber joints, so I had to grind out the slot in the splines there the clamping bolt goes. I might have shortened the shaft a bit. I can get some pictures tomorrow.

-Darrell

 

[HerronScott]

Darrell,

I seem to recall that I had to use the lower shaft from a TR6 as well as the u-joint. Never thought about replacing the upper one too.

Scott

 

[KVH]

This is definitely "to each his own."

I have new poly mounts and like them quite well.

I have no concerns about longevity.

Some say that when the Brits designed the car, they decided against steel for mounting the rack because of the greater shock delivered to the steering rack, and maybe because English roads were relatively rough. I think that's likely true.