Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:30:38 -0700
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: While replacing steering rack.....
In-Reply-To: <SNT130-w48FFE9A51422E3BFF3A006DFCB0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
there has been recent discussion on the samba about the orientation
of the rubber bushings in the rack mounting holes. Bentley shows them
with the flats vertical, and says to install that way. But it can be
argued that that orientation allows more lateral movement than if the
flats were horizontal.
Lateral movement in the rack makes steering sloppy.
A compromise is orienting them at 45 degrees.
After market bushings, as sold by Brickwerks inthe UK, do not have
the flats on them. Also they are 2 piece bushings which eases
installation. people who have them say they make a big difference in
steering feel. But Brickworks do not export to the US.
Years ago a vanagon listmember Gary Stearns (are you still here
Gary?) posted his results of making his own bushings, 2 piece
polyurethane like the Brickwerks units. He made a diagram too, and I
copied it from my website to my blog the other day, really just by
coincidence.
http://shufti.wordpress.com
cheers
alistair
On 28-Jun-10, at 5:07 PM, Bill Shawley wrote:
So it appears I'm not alone with a leaky power steering rack this
summer, maybe I never paid attention to the posts before but it sure
seems like a lot folks are having issues this year. Anyways.....
got a used unit for a good price I'm going to install (worst case
scenarior I have a core sitting in my garage if replacement is
necessary sooner than alter). I also plan to replace upper ball
joints (ripped boots, tight joint so far), and the tie rod ends
(ripped rubber), I already have new rack bushings and power steering
pump filter. I plan flush the hell out of the system and used rack.
I really have no complaints with my front end, everything seems
tight, brakes are fresh, calipers new, brake fluid flushed.
Is there anything I should take care of while I have things tore up
in the front? Any other bushings I might wanna knock out while I'm
in there? I understand I'll need an alignment when I'm finished up.
Can any shop do this or should I call ahead and warn them I have a
Vanagon?
Thanks for your continued input, basically you all are my e-mechanics!
Ryan
Ooh I'm getting my driveway paved this week, no more rolling in gravel!
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