Power Steering Rack Mounting Bushings/Insulators

[ARCHINSTL]

Well -
I have the X-member dropped and the motor mounts installed (I'll do a write-up on this really awkward method of doing it), but find I really need the driver-side bushing (oil-soaked and deteriorated), and might as well replace the passenger-side as well.

I have done the searches on our Forums and, after hitting the links, have come up empty as to sources which might have them. I have Googled every Toyota parts place around and JC Whitney, et al, to no avail. It seems that stores either don't carry the bushings or say they are obsolete. The Toy consortium in the NWST does not even list them. I'll hit Butler Toy in Indy on Monday, as I have had good luck with them.

Advance's site shows McQuay Norris #s as FA1583 and FA7101, but the descriptions seem to be reversed; the only photo shows the actual U-shaped driver's as a passenger's (the stores themselves cannot order them-I did email the site, too). TRW/MOOG have the numbers of HB1310 and HB1309, but all references I can find state they are "Obsolete."
I have also emailed Cardone, reasoning that since it sells remanufactured racks, it either stocks the bushings or can recommend a source; I would imagine that new bushings would be recommended for the new rack.

Anybody have any sure-fire sources for these bushings from personal experience?
Thanks,
Tom M.

[takza]

http://www.toyotadiscountparts.com/

(2) manual rack outside rubber bushings $3.14 and $8.12

Never ordered them...probably still have them though....

[ARCHINSTL]

Thanks -
I already tried this site; interestingly, it is Butler Toy in Indy, which I will call on Monday.
However, its menu reveals nothing in any form for "bushings" or "insulators" for the rack, whether manual or power.
I thought the prices you mentioned seemed cheap for OE pricing - especially when Advance, et al, want $14+...and Butler wants $25 each for OE rack boots.
Tom M.

[kamiphloj]

If you are in dire need for a bushing you can't buy,here are some possibilities:

Industrial suppliers like MSC and Graingers sell a product called Devcon Flexane.It is a 2 part castable urethane.It is available in a 1 qt kit for approx $30.Approx durometers 64 and 94.The 94 is about like a dead blow hammer in consistancy.64 is more like hard rubber.
It is a strong adhesive to clean steel.A primer is made for stronger stick to steel.Thin film of vaseline good release for where you don't want adhesion.
Use creativity,the parts you want the bushing to fit,clay,duct tape,etc to create a cavity/core to pour into.Vaseline or tape and vaseline where you don't want adhesion.Follow the directions on the can.It is viscous but finds small places to run out of.It is worth a try

The other possibility is if you can get bushing good on the ID,I have turned rubber parts on a lathe.Grind an extreme side rake angle on top of your lathe tool maybe35-40 deg off vertical.generous side clearance,7 deg maybe.Stone the edge sharp.Try about .015nose rad.Feed up around .012 or so.Slip it on a snug mandrel.chuck the mandrel and turn it.Don't use extreme speed,500 rpm maybe.You may need a drop of superglue to the mandrel.Sometimes a can or 2 of freeze spray helps.
I cut them to length by putting an exacto knife in a toolholder and using it as a part off tool.Of course,that might be dangerous and I do not recomend you try it and I do not accept responsibility if you do.Good luck.kamiphloj

[Lollypop]

How about this

I have a rubber & belting company here in town who make all sorts of rubber gaskets and such from all sorts of rubbers. Why couldnt I have the old bushing and get them to make the bushing?...may be wayyy off base but in my head it sounds like an option.

=====Justin=====

[ARCHINSTL]

Thanks to all for the recommendations.

I would think that this is something we should all think about, what with our cars all being "mature."
I would think this should be a matter-of-fact replacement if any work is done on a steering rack/motor mount/engine replacement; after all, if one is going to all of that work already, and the rack is exposed at that time, why not?

If all I can find is the driver's side U-bushing (which is really the only one I need), then maybe I'll just "thicken up" the passenger's side bushing with a rubber wrap from a bicycle tube (that bushing is quite intact, unlike its sibling).
It just seemed prudent to replace both at the same time.

I will report any any sources I discover.
Tom M.

[ARCHINSTL]

OMG ! ! !
After hours spent on the 'puter Saturday and Sunday doing the searches and sending emails to various vendors and manufacturers, I found the bushings!
I called Butler Toy in Indianapolis, and they are OE available! Oddly, they are not listed on any Toy dealer's site, including Butler's, and the parts guy said that "It happens sometimes." All of the other steering parts are shown, save for these bushings. While the FSM calls them "bushings," his parts catalog calls them "grommets." Some parts stores show them as "insulators."

The parts are the same for either manual or power steering:
Driver's side - 45516-16030 and cost is $8.50;
Passenger's side - 45517-16030 and cost is $7.50.

I was flabbergasted by the cost, as the parts stores' pricing was $14+ each, and these are OE!

The parts guy mentioned that there are still "some" available, but he could not tell how many, so if anyone needs them, I'd go for it now. My car is an early '86, and there might be a change in later '86 models, according to some parts vendors, but I forgot to explore this with Butler.
Tom M.

[takza]

The drivers side gets soft due to oil from the valve cover. I just removed the clamp and added some rubber shimming material.

Even soft...I doubt if it's really that much of a problem. Though it does make sense to repalce it while in there.