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So I just installed a new rack in to the XJS 6-speed and the performance tires make the rack quite loose and uninspiring. Certainly not fitting for a V12 with a 6 speed driving experience.
I ordered up some urethane rack bushings and set off to use what I learned from the DB7. Aston used stock bushings with solid aluminum spacers on the inner sides on just 2 of the 3 rack bushings,thus limiting lateral movement but allowing some horizontal movement.
So here is a new technique... cut the Eurthane bushes in a way to fashion just a spacer. And...it fits over the face-lift original bushing perfectly. Older racks will need the center hole of the urethane bush enlarged a bit.
Severed bush to create a spacer.
Modified eurothane part fitted over factory bushing.
Other side
up in the car. This is the same way Aston did it. However they used a thick aluminum piece. The Prothane hard urethane bushing part is a perfect substitute.
I've driven cars with all three urethane rack bushes installed as designed. They have some harshness. This way...the result is perfect. Zero harshness and much better feel becasue the rack can still move a bit vertically but not laterally.
To make the spacers, you use just 1 of the three urethane bushings with 2 left over for other cars. Sweet! I used the Prothane bushes because I've used many of their products with good results.
Also no rack removal is necessary if the old bushes are in good condition.
This can be done in the car with out dropping the rack so its a rather quick operation that yields awesome results.
This will also work with older racks but the center hole of the fashioned urethane spacer will need to be enlarged a bit.
Last edited by icsamerica; May 17, 2018 at 09:07 PM.
Nice Job Rusty, Real clean mod on those spacers. Nice to see you taking the idea and 'punching it up' a bit. What brand were your spacers? What's the process on getting such a clean modification on the spacer. Did you use a fine tooth saw blade? Or something else?
As for the results... you wont have the privileged of driving the before and after but the difference in precision is drastic.
Last edited by icsamerica; May 27, 2018 at 10:08 AM.
I acquired the sports pack version of those bushings and will install them when I get to dropping the steering rack. I was hoping there was a solution that did not require dropping the rack....
Nice Job Rusty, Real clean mod on those spacers. Nice to see you taking the idea and 'punching it up' a bit. What brand were your spacers? What's the process on getting such a clean modification on the spacer. Did you use a fine tooth saw blade? Or something else?
As for the results... you wont have the privileged of driving the before and after but the difference in precision is drastic.
I bought the Jaguar specialties kit.
As for the tool I used......My good friend "Grinder" Made the job a snap! created a little mess though!
So, the Neoprene two-part bushings I recently installed have these spacers incorporated into the center bush as shoulders on both sides. All this is neoprene, riding on the steel center sleeve which is incorporated into one side of the Bush. Installation is obviously easier, and I like the feel these provide. Not harsh in any way, but a mm move on the steering wheel gives precise wheel movement at highway speeds.
Anyone have any experience comparing before and after with two piece bushes vs the pressed in bushes?
Another option on Rack bushing.
