I am growing weary of failed bushes on pittman arm and idler arm attachments to drag link.

Many years ago, I saw somewhere a "fix" of a ball-end component installed in place of the Metalastic type bushes to eliminate this issue.

You think I can find it now?

Two days on da google and nothing close.

Anybody got a link?

TNX

TOC

 

I fitted this uprated bush.


https://www.sngbarratt.com/uk/#!/Eng...1-a3c8db1911e0

 

Dave I think I have two used but good ones from my S type, (not new), but if you want them, just pay shipping. They did not fail, I just replaced them with the "new improved" ones which turned out to be more hassle than I ever bargained for.

Hope all is well.

 

You may be referring to HEIM joints. These are all metallic spherical joints and do not have any flexibility other than in the desired direction. They are used in competition cars in suspension and steering where precise geometry and control is required.
They have various end fittings for a range of applications such as control rods
Should you fit them to your steering system, I expect you would feel increased vibration at the steering wheel. Some significant engineering would I think be necessary to retrofit them to your car.
Much as we may dislike rubber joints, they do provide a degree of compliance and damping that makes our lives a bit smoother, if less precise.
YMMV

 

+1^ ~ Heim joints or Rose joints would increase NVH somewhat. Great for racing, not a road car.

 

I know of the "uprated" pars....haven't tried them. Read some folks ground down the outside, but I have a full set (and two more) adjustable remers in their old wood case, so I can open up the cast ends for the,
Are these ball-type inside, and not rubber?

The article/dissertation I read used some kind of US ball joint, I think, and I think the taper had to be changed in the mating parts.
If the "uprated" units are metal on metal, no rubber, I can do that.

TNX
TOC

 

The uprated part is TEFLON lined. As BSM states you need some compliance here or you will transmit noise & vibration. In the clamour of a race car no one cares but in a road car it would not be desireable.

 

well......noise and vibration. I can think of a whole lot of vehicles I have worked on, owned or driven that didn't have rubber isolated steering components.
In fact, I drove one this morning. 70 model years old, and no vibration due to zero front suspension isolation rubber bits.

But, if these Teflon units won't just up and spit their innards out, might be worth the effort.

 

Different people have different sensitivity to NVH.

However I can't think of a single road car without compliance in the suspension & steering.

Even tie rod ends generally have internal compliance as in this photo.

 

1950 Ford. 28 grease zerks. Metal on metal: king pins, trunnions inner A arms, trunnions outer A arms, trunnion idler arm, metal on metal tie rod ends, metal on metal steering box bolted to frame, worm shaft straight up 40" or so to steering wheel.

Basically all US cars from inception to late 50's. I think steering column rag joints were late 50's early 60's. They didn't HAVE plastic back then, especially nylon, and Bakelite didn't cut it.

Ran my own shop for a long time, worked on all sorts of stuff, and restored many.

If I was to buy current parts for older cars, maybe nylon inside, but not originals.

My 50 F-1 is the same. My 49 ****** was until Mustang II front end installed.

But, rear leafs on 50 passenger are rubber bushings, truck no....greasable shafts front and rear of all 4 leafs.

Rides like a truck?

Not arguing, just my experience.

 

I accept that. I'm not talking that old & NVH was dreadful on those vehicles by modern standards.