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Steering wheel clank victims come in for good news

  • Thread starter Thread starter 1fast03pony
  • Start date Start date Sep 25, 2005

1fast03pony

Member
Jul 1, 2003
749
0
17
New york
Sep 25, 2005
#1
  • Sep 25, 2005
  • #1
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
 

XXBULLETSXX

New Member
Mar 30, 2005
301
0
0
Kannapolis, NC
Sep 25, 2005
#2
  • Sep 25, 2005
  • #2
Thanks for the Info! I'll forward this thread to my friend with an 03' Cobra that does that.

Nice job figuring that out!
 

nemo69

New Member
Sep 23, 2005
11
0
1
Sep 25, 2005
#3
  • Sep 25, 2005
  • #3
At the risk of sounding stupid...where would one get offset synthetic bushing at, or the new rack brackets? Think I will need them if i change out the K-member?
 

1fast03pony

Member
Jul 1, 2003
749
0
17
New york
Sep 26, 2005
#4
  • Sep 26, 2005
  • #4
nemo69 said:
At the risk of sounding stupid...where would one get offset synthetic bushing at, or the new rack brackets? Think I will need them if i change out the K-member?
Click to expand...


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
Jan 2, 2005
48
1
0
San Diego, CA
Sep 26, 2005
#5
  • Sep 26, 2005
  • #5
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!
 
D

derek02gt

New Member
Dec 25, 2003
255
0
0
Sep 26, 2005
#6
  • Sep 26, 2005
  • #6
how hard was the install? my car does this too.
 

1fast03pony

Member
Jul 1, 2003
749
0
17
New york
Sep 27, 2005
#7
  • Sep 27, 2005
  • #7
derek02gt said:
how hard was the install? my car does this too.
Click to expand...

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.
 

1fast03pony

Member
Jul 1, 2003
749
0
17
New york
Sep 27, 2005
#8
  • Sep 27, 2005
  • #8
Jamessocal said:
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!
Click to expand...


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
Dec 9, 2004
1,233
1
0
Carmel, INdiana
Sep 28, 2005
#9
  • Sep 28, 2005
  • #9
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).
 

squares98

Member
Aug 20, 2004
852
0
17
Orange,ca
Sep 28, 2005
#10
  • Sep 28, 2005
  • #10
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).
Click to expand...
 
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