steering knuckle

[Docman]

I know there has been prior discussion, but I can't seem to find the thread.

What is your experience with the resulting steering feel when replacing a steering knuckle with a full metal vs. a rubber bushed part.

I imagine the feel will be very direct without the rubber, but could it be overly direct?  My car is a cruiser, not a racer.

[Clive]

not an issue at all. I have always used the alloy rack mounts, and for the past 10 years a uj type knuckle. No slop, no messing, the steering wheel just feels like it does what it is supposed to

The UJ joints are sold over here as (ford) escort steering joints as well as Triumph parts, so that may make them more available over on your side.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ESCORT-MK1-MK2-GROUP-4-STEERING-COUPLING-KNUCKLE-JOINT-/150874530527?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2320d2a2df

and the forged version which may be a bit too big, but I use one on my spitfire
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GP4-Steering-Joint-Escort-MK1-2-Rally-Race-/251112548414?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a7779683e

over here about the same price from triumphists.

[uksnatcher]

I replaced my rubber bushed U/J with the solid bearing type and noticed a massive difference, no 'Hollywood' style consant correction when cruising and much more sporty feel round the twisty bits.

My bushes were shot and beyond repair and the solid type was alot cheaper so thats what it got,  but i would imagine the new rubber bushed type would have a nice tight comfort feel but will eventually wear out, shame there is no poly bush replacement for them??    (think)

[Clive]

uksnatcher wrote:

, shame there is no poly bush replacement for them??    (think)

There is (or was) I bult one but you need one of the rare early ones that will come part. It has bolts and locking wire. The polybushes I got from Witor. That ended up on my herald estate, still perfect after about 10 years service, and probably still fine (sold 3 or 4 years ago)

New repro std joints are pants, the rubber just doesn't last.

[Nick Moore]

I'll second, or fourth, or whatever, what everyone else has said. My Herald has solid rack mounts and a UJ from Rarebits, and there's zero play in the steering wheel. However, even with a wooden steering wheel rim the steering doesn't feel harsh, just beautifully direct. My GT6 is being built the same way.

[ferny]

My rubber one lasted six months (about 6k miles at the time), at which point I thought "bugger this" and fitted a solid one. I don't remember it feeling any different then replacing a knackered bit of rubber with a new firmer piece.

[CP72]

The Superflex parts no. is SPF1179. Over the last years I have used it to rebuild two Spitfire steering joints and it worked very well. Albeit buying a solid joint will probably be cheaper and easier!       ;)

[uksnatcher]

stage3 wrote:

The Superflex parts no. is SPF1179

Using that part no i found some on ebay too...SuperPro bushes for 18 quid delivered
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4634.m570.l1313&_nkw=SPF1179&_sacat=0