1990-1996 Q45 steering rack bushings

[Infinitiguy19]

I have posted some info in another topic concerning Energy Suspension poly urethane steering rack bushings. I just want to CONFIRM before I go any further. Energy Suspension steering rack bushings for a 1990-1996 300ZX will not fit on a 1990-1996 Q45. They may share the same steering rack but I believe the mounting brackets with the heat shields built on are different. Thinking I could outsmart OwnerCS I went ahead and ordered these bushings from Auto Zone and attempted for FIVE HOURS to install them.

The worst part about installing the new bushings is taking the old ones out. If you a have a difficult time removing them and they look in decent shape when you loosen the mounts for the steering rack, Leave the old one is and put it all back together. I have the service history for my car and I don't believe I saw any indication of their replacement. Anyways using a screw driver and some hose pliers I was able to remove the old bushing.

Installing the new one and lining it up sucked immensely. But eventually I gave up and thought tightening the bracket onto the bushing would ease it into place. I had used a more than generous amount of silicone paste. Well that didn't work so I got some longer bolts and put a lot of washers on them because they were too long. I thought if I could get the bracket tight with the longer bolts. Then zip tie the bracket down and thread the OEM bolts it would work. No such luck there!

So I went ahead and installed the OEM rubber bushing I had new in the bag. I thought I would sell them after I installed the new poly urethane bushings. I left the poly urethane bushing on the passenger side because I was to angry to take it off and replace it with the rubber one.

So far I notice no noticeable difference with the one poly urethane bushing!

Short version:

The bushing on the passenger side has a 9MM gap from end to end. The drivers side bushing has shoulder on the outer edge of the bushing that are too thick for the 1990-1993 Q45 steering rack bracket to go over.

I am curious too see how owners with 1994-1996 Q45 claim they installed the 1990-1996 300ZX bushings on there car when 1990-1996 Q45 all have the same steering rack. The gears on the inside are just different.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Did you happen to take any pictures?

[maxnix]

The ones I purchased from SPL for the Z32 rack worked.

[IThaJ0kaI]

Id like to know %100 sure if the Z32 ones fit a 94-96, I need to order some polys for my track car.

[maxnix]

Id like to know %100 sure if the Z32 ones fit a 94-96, I need to order some polys for my track car.

The ones I purchased from SPL for the Z32 rack worked.

Hello?

[elwesso]

I know I've seen people use the Z32 steering rack bushings on Q45... Not sure where you found this information?

[Infinitiguy19]

Like I said I ordered the Energy Suspension steering rack bushings (7.10104). I tried to install them only to find out the Left side (Drivers side) has shoulders that are too wide. And the Right side Passenger side still has a 9MM gap despite having tightened the bracket to 80 ft/lbs of torque.

I will get pictures whenever I can. Like I said the 1990-1996 Q45 shares the same steering rack housing. I will look up and see if they share the same steering rack bracket/retainers with heat shields built onto them. The 300ZX also shares the same rack (PR26SE) as the Q45 but who knows if they share the same brackets with heat shields?

This kit in the link even provides a longer bolt because they know that the bushings are not made to the correct specs or that they are just to stiff when new to get the bracket over them. http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... ts_id=1786

[Q451990]

I've found that disconnecting the U-joint that connects the rack to the steering column gives a lot of extra room to complete the rack bushing replacement.

Heath

[OwnerCS]

I still have the ES Poly bushings part number 7.10104G that do me no good.. Three bushings came in the package. The OEM size for the 1991 is completely different.

Here's a picture of the difference between OEM for 1991 and the Z32 bushings.

[Infinitiguy19]

I just called SPL Parts and they told me they source there bushings from Energy Suspension.

In the picture OwnerCS posted. The circular bushing has a 9 mm gap from end to end. And the tear drop bushing has side shoulders that are too thick and stiff to get the bracket over.

I also measured the tear drop bushing and compared the side shoulders thickness to the OEM one and they are indeed significantly thicker. I know all this talk is useless with out pictures so I will work on getting some posted.

Maxnix how did you get those bushings installed and how much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

[dnudelman]

Which bushings did you end up with. I am looking to do the same, either oem or energy.
thanks
David

I just called SPL Parts and they told me they source there bushings from Energy Suspension.

In the picture OwnerCS posted. The circular bushing has a 9 mm gap from end to end. And the tear drop bushing has side shoulders that are too thick and stiff to get the bracket over.

I also measured the tear drop bushing and compared the side shoulders thickness to the OEM one and they are indeed significantly thicker. I know all this talk is useless with out pictures so I will work on getting some posted.

Maxnix how did you get those bushings installed and how much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

[Infinitiguy19]

I posted that up in my first post....

I ended up replacing the right (Driver) steering rack bushing with the OEM one. And using the aftermarket Polyurethane round bushing on the left side (Passenger).

Do not use silicone paste on the bushings!!! The steering rack will move when the steering wheel is turned and the job will have to be done again to remove the silicone paste!!!

[OwnerCS]

I posted that up in my first post....

I ended up replacing the right (Driver) steering rack bushing with the OEM one. And using the aftermarket Polyurethane round bushing on the left side (Passenger).

Do not use silicone paste on the bushings!!! The steering rack will move when the steering wheel is turned and the job will have to be done again to remove the silicone paste!!!

Paul - Thanks for the idea. Maybe I can get some use out of the round ES bushing and pitch the teardrop shaped one.

[dnudelman]

the ES bushings fit my 94, no probblem.

[OwnerCS]

the ES bushings fit my 94, no probblem.

Yes - It there is a difference between 90-93 model and 94-96 model racks.