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TR2/3/3A Silentbloc bushings stiff

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Bremer

Bremer

Jedi Hopeful
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I was under the assumption that the problem with the silentbloc bushings in the steering links of the TR3 was that they would wear (sometimes quickly), leading to lots of play in the steering.
Well, during a recent steering box rebuild I found that my silentblocs appeared fine, i.e. not worn. However, they seemed a little stiff, i.e. resisting rotation. I didn't have new replacements parts so I used the old pieces during reassembly. It hadn't occurred to me before, but the hard steering in slow turns I'm experiencing is probably caused by this. Anybody had this happen before? What's a suitable lubricant, if any? (Silicone spray didn't really work).
Thanks! :encouragement:
 
They are supposed to resist rotation and there is no point in trying to lubricate them. The rubber is supposed to be bonded to both the shaft and the sleeve, so the rubber deforms as you turn, rather than anything sliding.

But the resistance at the steering wheel is tiny, compared to what it takes to move the steering.

TRF sells "frictionless" replacements, if that's what you want. I run similar replacements (mine are brass instead of Delrin), but I used them because I was tired of replacing the silentblocs all the time.
 
Thanks Randall. The bushings in my drag link deform up to a certain angle and then start to slide/rotate, at which point the resistance is more or less constant. This is what made me think that lubrication was needed.
I will definitely consider the delrin bushings for a later upgrade.
 
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