I replaced the rack brackets and put offset synthetic bushings on my rack- completely fixed the crunch/crack when turning the wheel left and right.
do it, it will work, i promise
do it, it will work, i promise
Steering wheel clank victims come in for good news
- Thread starter 1fast03pony
- Start date
XXBULLETSXX
New Member
Thanks for the Info! I'll forward this thread to my friend with an 03' Cobra that does that.
Nice job figuring that out!
Nice job figuring that out!
nemo69 said:
the synthetic bushings at www.stangsuspension.com
the rack brackets at a ford dealer, 8 dollars each, i dont have the part number handy.
Jamessocal
New Member
So is the "clank" you refer to the creeking noice (seems like a creeking noice to me) that you get when you turn the wheel? If so I'm definatly going to try this. Thanks!
derek02gt said:
Install was a breeze because i had access to a lift
I should be relatively easy on jackstands, just unbolt the rack (only from the chassis), drop it, and take the bushings and brackets out
then shove the brackets in, line up the bushings, and put them in (dont forget to grease them)
Only bitch is, that the synth. bushings are TIGHT so youll have to smack them in, which could be difficult while laying under the car.
Jamessocal said:
well the noise i had was standing still, turning the wheel side to side, it almost seemed like a metal to metal seizure (sticking) and then suddenly breaking free in a "crack" or a clank noise, as if metal snapped.
It was actually excessive play in the worn rubber bushings, compounded by loose brackets
so what happened was the excessive play, caused by the change in geometry when lowered (i didnt have offset rack bushings), made the brackets move just enough to make a REALLY embarassing sound. Im so glad that was taken care of.
any more questions pm me
Part number: E5DZ-3K620-A
Name- Bracket
be sure to offset the rack with offset rack bushings too. HUGE improvement in front end stability when lowered. i was really surprised.
BennyBlown2v
New Member
I had Steeda offset rack bushings, they wore out and made just as much noise as my stock rubber ones did. Plus they rotated in the mounts and caused my rack to be off center effecting the toe. If you're going to get replacement bushings get center mounted bushings. I love my aliuminum center-drilled MM bushings; no noticeable increased noise or vibration over urethane or rubber. I've used all of these solutions, and the aluminum center-drilled bushings are by far my fav! 
On a side note, while not necessary, it's much easier to install the rack bushings by fully removing the steering rack. To do so just buy/rent a tie rod end popper (the clamp kind, not one of those crappy forks, i got mine for $10 at autozone) and pop the ends off, then you can pull the rack alot farther out making the rear bushings WAY easier to install (if installing rubber/poly bushings rears are replaced too).
On a side note, while not necessary, it's much easier to install the rack bushings by fully removing the steering rack. To do so just buy/rent a tie rod end popper (the clamp kind, not one of those crappy forks, i got mine for $10 at autozone) and pop the ends off, then you can pull the rack alot farther out making the rear bushings WAY easier to install (if installing rubber/poly bushings rears are replaced too).
BennyDaBall said:I had Steeda offset rack bushings, they wore out and made just as much noise as my stock rubber ones did. Plus they rotated in the mounts and caused my rack to be off center effecting the toe. If you're going to get replacement bushings get center mounted bushings. I love my aliuminum center-drilled MM bushings; no noticeable increased noise or vibration over urethane or rubber. I've used all of these solutions, and the aluminum center-drilled bushings are by far my fav!
On a side note, while not necessary, it's much easier to install the rack bushings by fully removing the steering rack. To do so just buy/rent a tie rod end popper (the clamp kind, not one of those crappy forks, i got mine for $10 at autozone) and pop the ends off, then you can pull the rack alot farther out making the rear bushings WAY easier to install (if installing rubber/poly bushings rears are replaced too).
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