steering rack mount bushings

[95se]

I have searched but not found a simple answer. My rack is getting rebuilt and the mount bushings are gone on my s14. I was considering replacing them with ES poly or prothane ones. I assume they go in just like the rubber ones and are there any drawbacks of having them, noise, ratteling, etc...?

thanks

[Hoffman5982]

They install just the same, zero draw backs. I run solid aluminum eccentric bushings and there's no rattling or anything. That's not really a component that can create rattling, I think they use rubber for shock absorption to prevent damage to the rack itself.

Kinda like putting solid bushings on an s14 diff. I used to think that would cause vibrations, but s13's came with the diff mounted to the subframe solid without bushings.

[95se]

You said rubber helps shock absorption for the rack. Has there been any evidence that less shock absorption from having harder bushings cause any problems with the racks where they have to be rebuilt sooner?

[Hoffman5982]

No, but I also have no evidence that that's the only reason they used rubber. I've been running these aluminum bushings for a few years with no issues. Drove my old s14 with ES bushings for 7 years and the rack was fine.

[95se]

Did the ES rack bushings ever squeak? Though, I guess if your car is really loud you wouldn't have noticed but mine is stock. Heard that some poly bushings also deform.

[Hoffman5982]

No they never squeaked. I pulled the rack once and the bushings were still good after years of use

[BigKriss]

I changed out to Poly crap stuff and it lasted all of a year. Pulled them out and replaced with genuine Nissan rubber jobs and have not looked back in 5 years..
Poly has its place but not on the rack i.m.o.