Steering Column bushes

[david muir]

Hi, Just replaced upper steering column bushes in my '64(upper one suddenly disintegrated!)...........should there be any type of lubricant between the bush and the column?
Ta

[Moeregaard]

I typically use a small amount of white grease (Lubriplate, etc.) for these applications.

[Heuer]

Elastollan does not require a lubricant however the repro bushes are slightly under/over size. This means when the column gets hot, and it does, the steering can lose self cantering and the column squeaks. Solution is to use a Dremel sanding attachment and relieve the bush slightly. Take your time and only do a couple of laps of the bearing before reassembling and checking for free play. Repeat until you are happy. Trouble is the column may feel stiff on the bench but when installed in the car can feel loose. You need to get the car hot before deciding if you like the feel. I would not recommend any lubricant other than, perhaps, a thin film of silicone although it should not be necessary.

[JEP41]

Hi All,

I have just replaced the bushes on my series 1 and just smeared them with silicone O'ring grease prior to installation and straight out of the Hutsons box they have been perfect 8)

[David Oslo]

My experience with Elastollan and the squeeking noise points to relative humidity being the problem, not the ambient heat. This year during the early part of the summer (low RH) I had no squeeks, but later in the summer when things got really humid then the steering column squeeked terribly, and actually made the steering wheel "sticky" in as much as it wouldn't self center, with a resultant MOT failure.

The fix is still the same, dismantle the upper column and do some carefull sanding (I just wrapped paper into a cylinder and took axial swipes in & out), trial fitting each time as you go.

Hydroscopic is the proper engineering term, and quite a normal problem with plastic bushes. I've read a lot of reports of 'polybushes' squeeking on suspension. About the wettest place on the car to put hydroscopic material...

[Moeregaard]

Back in the bad old days, when the bushings were not available, I machined a pair for my first E-Type from white Delrin. The OD was just a press fit in the tube and they never gave me any trouble. If you have access to a lathe this is something to consider if you're not happy with the factory items.

[abowie]

I routinely do this and make the bushes about 1" wide. Perform beautifully.