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Rubber U/J that fits to steering rack
L5W - 20/3/10 at 12:14 AM

Hi,

I'm going to need to modify my steering column link in order to clear the oil filter on my early Zetec E.

While I'm in the process, is it worth changing the sierra's rubber U/J fitting that fits over the rack's spigot for a solid metal U/J?

I'm thinking rubber might perish and fail over time. Or is this particular U/J made of rubber for a reason?





Thanks

Lee

big_wasa - 20/3/10 at 12:17 AM

I would put a proper uj in.

L5W - 20/3/10 at 12:22 AM

wow, that was a quick response!

need to do some shopping now.....

thanks

Lee

big_wasa - 20/3/10 at 12:25 AM

reason being, to get the miss-alignment when you move the shaft over.

MikeRJ - 20/3/10 at 12:06 PM

quote:
Originally posted by L5W
Or is this particular U/J made of rubber for a reason?


It's simply to isolate the steering wheel from vibration and noise generated by the tyres/road surface. Most modern tin tops will have something similar, but it's not something you will find on older cars and competition cars...i.e. ones that have plenty of steering feedback!

quote:
Originally posted by big_wasa
reason being, to get the miss-alignment when you move the shaft over.





The UJs are out of phase!

[Edited on 20/3/10 by MikeRJ]

austin man - 20/3/10 at 12:48 PM

Ive been running mine with the rubber joint as has the brother in law with no probs I think I have some pics in my archive showing the modification when using the silvertop zetec. I would advise that you fit the alternator as well before doing the mod as the shaft / UJ can foul the alternator if done worngly

MikeRJ - 20/3/10 at 01:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by austin man
Ive been running mine with the rubber joint as has the brother in law with no probs


It won't give any problems if the rubber is in good condition, it just provides a degree of isolation that may not be desirable in a sports car. Then again if you are doing a lot of touring it may make driving it a bit less fatiguing.

BenB - 20/3/10 at 01:18 PM

Each to their own, I don't think I'd fancy having my steering connected by a bit of perishable rubber..... Steering is kind of useful, especially at high speed....

MikeRJ - 20/3/10 at 01:48 PM

quote:
Originally posted by BenB
Each to their own, I don't think I'd fancy having my steering connected by a bit of perishable rubber..... Steering is kind of useful, especially at high speed....


I can almost guarantee your tin top (if it's reasonably modern) has a chunk of rubber isolating the column from the rack!

coozer - 20/3/10 at 02:55 PM

The rubber joint is an isolator and must be used straight. Any angle and it will flex against the rivits and fail.

Solid uj's with a sliding joint is what you need.

L5W - 20/3/10 at 08:35 PM

Thanks all, as advised, I'll fit the alternator first and then see how much room there is to carry out the modification to the steering. Based on the replies, I'll get a new steel U/J to replace the rubber one from my donor.

cheers,

Lee