steering rack mount bushes?

[STiR]

Hi guys,

As my car is not currently with me, I can't get under and check it out for myself so please bear with me.

Does the EG civic steering rack have a mounting bush that can be upgraded like other cars (like WRX etc.)?

Also, what's a good brand?

thanks
Shiraz

[bennjamin]

yes it does. its a C shaped bush around the rack itself. You can replace it with a poly bush that helps with feel apparently. You can also replace the tie rod end bushes for the same effect

look at Energy suspension

[STiR]

Thanks bennjamin :)

[string]

I'm not sure what "tie rod end bushings" benjammin is talking about, but if it's the ball joint boots then leave them stock!

I didn't notice any change from "upgrading" my steering rack bushes to poly. I only did it because I had them in the kit and had the steering rack off at the time but YMMV.

[STiR]

I know when we changed our STi type R steering rack bush I felt a big difference. Maybe it was because the bush was in two pieces when when took it out!

[string]

Perhaps they are mounted differently. The Honda racks are held in place with rubber mounted bolts vertically into the rear crossmember. It is just supported at the other end by the bushing mentioned by benjammin. Unless the stock rubber has completely rotted, I can't see how you'd get any movement of the rack. Poly bushes sure are cheap though.

[STiR]

I think they are the same, and the reason I found the improvement was because the bush was completely smashed. I don't think my EG after >220,000km is as bad as that, as it was probably driven by a grandma. It's useful to change as part of an overall refresher plan though. The improvements are incremental.