TR2/3/3A TR3 Steering Overhaul

[CaptDon01]

I'm in the process of rebuilding the steering assembly on my 62 TR3B. I've replaced the idler arm, and will also replace all the tie-rod ends and I ran into a problem when I tried to install new silentbloc bushings in the center tie-rod assembly. I had an automotive machine shop press out the old bushings and when they tried to press in the new silentbloc bushings in the center tie-rod, they would simply slip in by hand. The new bushings are several thousand's of an inch smaller. I purchased them from Victoria British which is only a couple miles away from where I live. Is it possible there is a quality control issue with the bushings from them,(being manufactured to the wrong size)? I don't believe they make these in any other size. The car is original, and these bushings, as well as the rest of the front suspension, has never been overhauled.

Thanks,

Don, 1962 Signal Red TR3B
Olathe, Kansas

 

[martx-5]

You know, I read about this in another post awhile back. There was some issue with the sizing. I'll try to find that post and link it back here.

Here's the link to The sloppy silentbloc post. It's talked about toward the bottom of the thread.

 

[SeanTR3]

Don, I had the same experience a few months back and hopefully by now Moss should have their inventory restocked. I would give them a call and see if they have the correct part now. More than half of their inventory was too small when they measured it. Harry sent me 2 bushings that were the correct specs and then lock down the parts until they could find a solution.

I pressed mine in at home and the only trick I used was to freeze the silentbloc for a couple of hours to shrink it slightly. I removed it from the freezer and pressed it into the steering rod without too much trouble.

The only other problem I found ordering parts was that the nuts for the silentbloc studs were the wrong size thread. I believe the nut is a 3/8(24 threads) and the ones Moss sent me were 3/8(16 threads). I ordered some new nuts in grade 8 from the bolt dept and they worked perfectly.

 

[CaptDon01]

Thanks for the reply's........It's back to Victoria British in the morning, with my center tie-rod in hand. I was concerned with the quality of the parts at Victoria British, but these silentbloc bushings had a "made in UK" sticker on them.

Don

 

[martx-5]

Since SeanTR3 got his mis-sized Silentblocs from Moss, I'd have to say that Vicky Brit is getting them from the same source. In that link I posted above, the spec for the silentbloc is .875".

 

[CaptDon01]

I just returned from Victoria British looking for a pair of silent-bloc bushings for my TR3. We checked all their stock with my center tie-rod and they all pushed through with my fingers. I called the Roadster Factory and spoke w/Chuck. He took the time to check some for me and they turned out to be the proper diameter of .875". He'll ship them out today, and I was surprized that TRF was cheaper that Victoria British on these, ($11.95 vs $16.95). So she'll be back on the road in a few days......

Don