techman1

Hello All!

In a quest to remove the slop in the steering, I have:
Done the tie rod pinning mod
Had a alignment by a fully vetted mechanic, used ktoe gauges

Slop still there, next is steering rack mount bushings. I have heard the rubber can deteriorate to marshmallow consistency.

Also, in looking at PET and replacement steering columns, I see a rubber guibo, or bushing. It does not look replaceable, though. Have you heard of the guibo going bad?

Thanks for any thoughts on the issue!

jg291446

Did you replace the control arm bushings?

TMc993

Could you post a description of the "slop?"

Also, year, model, and mileage on your car would be helpful.

axl911

Not just pin the tie rod, but you may need to replace the tie-rods ends if the ends are sloppy b/c it is old.

3 things I have done to make my steering feel great: 1) good tie rods. 2) pin the tie rods. 3) strut brace.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

If the steering rack bushings have deteriorated, there are good urethane ones available that make a noticeable improvement.

techman1

FJG,
Yep, control arm bushings replaced with the walrod ones.

Terry,
Slop- for me, at highway speeds, I can move the steering wheel off center, left and right, a couple degrees, and it will have no steering effect. Really need to have someone move the steering wheel a little, and asses the movement under the car. The trouble is to observe, the car needs to be lifted to get under there. Now the wheels are unburdened and move easily. Need something like a pit at Jiffy Lube etc.

Steve,
I will be installing new rack bushings, this is a '95, so the old ones are 20 years. Going with the urethane, any cost effective supplier come to mind?

OD

PelicanParts.com

Yes, replacing these with new ones will make a difference. Upgrading will also tighten up the slop you are describing. I upgraded and could really feel the difference.

jg291446

Is there a difference between the black ones on Pelican's website $4) and the blue polyeurethan on Rothsport website ($40)?

techman1

My next question. Anyone with firsthand experience with either?

PelicanParts.com

Yes, the one's we have listed are the OEM rubber bushings 964-347-137-07. The Rothsport RS-161 ones are a Kevlar reinforced urethane bushing. We should carry them, not sure why they aren't in the catalog. Having the catalog team add them in if they're missing, which it looks like they are.

OverBoosted28

The urethane are performance oriented. The factory rubber would be fine for a lawyer, doctor, bankers car. If you want the most out of your car, upgrade!!!!!

rlme36

Ohh what's with the stereotype We banker types like performance. The lawyers on the other hand like the softer feel after a tough day of ambulance chasing

Leander

What's best for the distinguished man about town?

techman1

Well, Leander, looking at your mods so far....I do not think stock rubber will do for you.

pp000830

Small changes in an alignment can profoundly alter the precision of the steering feel. Is the looseness at all speeds or does it get progressively worse with speed?