2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Installing the rock solid steering bushing this weekend???

[JCyrbok]

Gonna do the Rock Solid Steering Bushing on my 01 auto this weekend and I am thinking I'm try to do it on the truck.



Went over the instructions last night and seems pretty straight forward but have a couple of simple ???.



1) The instructions state to lube the inside diameter of the bushing prior to install but makes no mention of type of lube. I have just about everything from white lithium grease to spray grease to the Amsoil grease that I use for my ball joints etc. What should I use or does it not matter?



2) The instructions (unless I missed it) was vague on the removal of the intermetiate steering shaft. I checked my DC shop manual and could not find much in there either, LOL. It is straight forward once I look at it??



3) Anything I should do to the intermidate steering shaft (clean, lube, check etc) while it is out/loosened?



4) Just read a couple of post about guys having problems with the steering getting real tight when it gets cold out, anyone seeing this or was this a earlier problem that has been rememdied by Dave?



Thanks,



J-

 

[JustDave]

I installed mine last weekend and very pleased with the results.



1. I used a lube called Sil-Glyde that I found at NAPA many years ago. Very tenacious, good temperature range, and usefull on a wide range of materials. Here's a link Store Locator | NAPA Online

2. Yes. I installed a Borgeson years ago and thought it would be a fight to remove. I was very surprised when I loosened the top set screws and easily wiggled it off the end of the steering column.

3. You might want to replace it at some point if you still have the factory one. However, I thought my problems were the intermediate shaft. I was quite surprised to find very little improvement when I installed the Borgeson. That's why I was so pleased to get the improvement from the Rock Solid bushing. My truck is now a pleasure to drive again. But then my truck is 2wd, YMMV.

4. Don't know. Getting ready to find out this winter if it ever cools off in the southeast.



I think you'll find this is an easy repair once you're done. I did mine on the truck also and probably the hardest thing was working in the confined space around the column and under the brake booster. I used a Dremel with a long flexible extension and cut off wheel to cut the retention washer and a long (about 2') screw driver to pry off the partially cut washer from above the booster. And I used a small pair of vise grips to pull out the plastic bearing holder in the end of the column. The small vice grips were the only pliers I could get a good grip.



Good luck with your installation.

 

[JCyrbok]

I installed mine last weekend and very pleased with the results.



1. I used a lube called Sil-Glyde that I found at NAPA many years ago. Very tenacious, good temperature range, and usefull on a wide range of materials. Here's a link Store Locator | NAPA Online

2. Yes. I installed a Borgeson years ago and thought it would be a fight to remove. I was very surprised when I loosened the top set screws and easily wiggled it off the end of the steering column.

3. You might want to replace it at some point if you still have the factory one. However, I thought my problems were the intermediate shaft. I was quite surprised to find very little improvement when I installed the Borgeson. That's why I was so pleased to get the improvement from the Rock Solid bushing. My truck is now a pleasure to drive again. But then my truck is 2wd, YMMV.

4. Don't know. Getting ready to find out this winter if it ever cools off in the southeast.



I think you'll find this is an easy repair once you're done. I did mine on the truck also and probably the hardest thing was working in the confined space around the column and under the brake booster. I used a Dremel with a long flexible extension and cut off wheel to cut the retention washer and a long (about 2') screw driver to pry off the partially cut washer from above the booster. And I used a small pair of vise grips to pull out the plastic bearing holder in the end of the column. The small vice grips were the only pliers I could get a good grip.



Good luck with your installation.

copy thanks, i'll update when I am done in a couple of hours.



J-

 

[bboxall]

I used Valvoline Synpower synthetic grease part number VV985 which is the same stuff I use in my Moog tie rod ends and ball joints.

You will love the RockSolid steering bushing, mine has been in for 2 years and it is awesome.

 

[FHerault]

I hope it's not to late but you have to hammer the bushing very soft, since you have an auto trans. Very important, if you don't want to see your shifter moving to R when you turn the wheel on the highway !



And yes, when it's cold (below -20° F... ) the steering is harder. I've made little holes on the bushing to lubricate it.

 

[JCyrbok]

I hope it's not to late but you have to hammer the bushing very soft, since you have an auto trans. Very important, if you don't want to see your shifter moving to R when you turn the wheel on the highway !



And yes, when it's cold (below -20° F... ) the steering is harder. I've made little holes on the bushing to lubricate it.

unfourtuantly some stuff came up and I was not able to get to it this weekend.



Has anyone tried cooling the bushing with dry ice to shrink it a bit before putting it in? May negate the need for a hammer?



J-

 

[FHerault]

If the steering becomes harder at cold, I don't think it's a good idea to use ice for installation... You can use lubricant of your choice.

With the auto trans, my idea is that it's much more easy to install the bushing with the steering column out. And it's not difficult and only takes about 15 minutes to put the column out of the truck. I know that other members have installed it on the truck, so you can try too, it's your choice.

But don't beat the bushing too hard !