[DeTomaso] Steering rack bushing vs oil

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

I recommend 80W90 gear oil, not having had any problems with it in any of the 
cars I've worked on. The factory recommended it and in fact emphasised that 
grease not be used, but it does require boots that seal. Grease apparently 
works- for a while- if you don't care about the bearings on the 
pinion portion nor stiffness in the steering, and don't have the proper 
boots. I have stripped racks with grease in them, and the bushing still wears out, 
so its not a magic cure. 
FWIW, to knock out a bad bushing (stock or other), I made a 3/8" dia steel 
rod 18" long with a slight bend in one end that has a sharp edge. This catches 
the edge of any bushing and with a few taps, removes them. I've taken out stock 
bushings that shattered leaving a thin steel ring where there isn't much left 
to catch. If this ring is left behind when a brass bushing is installed, it 
may keep the bushing from seating properly. And if your housing is distorted 
for any reason, it may take a slightly oversized bushing to fit tightly. I also 
make my bronze bushings double-length so I don't EVER have to do the job over. 
Good luck- J Deryke


**************
Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch 
"Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.
      
(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)