Steering rack bush

[164super]

Anyone knows where to source for a new set of steering rack bush?(the right and left). Just changed mine 2 years ago and its already worn out.

[164super]

Many thanks in advance

[164super]

Guys...just an update ..
I have got the pentagon bush but not the round one..

[augusto drigo]

amigo... eu preciso de umas 4 peças dessa ... aonde eu consigo?????

[Alfan]

I am not sure, which part you referring to?

[164super]

Hi Alfan ,part no 5 i think. The pentagon picture i put up is costing 40plus pounds equivalent in local currency. All alfa parts here seem to be overly priced as they are rare .
I hear that many 164 owners modify this? as the bush (gaiter?) is very hard to find. The Q4 variant doesn't have this problem i think.
Some 164 ownera here in Malaysia fit the 166 steering rack with some modifications done.

[164super]

Would be happy to hear what others are doing for this problem.

[AlfaWhiz]

I fix some minor cracks or gaps in some of the solid bushings with automotive window adhesive (black windshield glue). It's a bit more stiff, but very robust. No need to throw the old part away, as they become rarer and more difficult to find.

[164super]

Thanks Alfawhiz!

[Alfan]

You showed a photo of the pentagon bush, I believe that is no. 5 in eper... So I am not really sure, which part you are looking for?

AlfaWhiz' idea could work, haven't tried it.

[164super]

download.jpg (6.63 KiB) Viewed 3675 times

Hi Alfan...im attaching a picture From the net to show you the pair needed. The pentagon is available but very much overpriced.
Hence looking at other cost effective measures ?

[KY2006]

I posted a similar question a couple of years ago, [check out http://www.alfaromeo164register.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1443&p=9261#p9261 ] and should I say that I am glad or sad to know someone is still looking for a solution?

I found a picture of the two bushings from the Alfabb forum and attach here foe ease of reference.

I have bought new bushings (pentagon and round) but I am holding off their installation pending fabrication of a more durable copy made of Polyurethane (material like that used by PowerFlex). I am searching for a more duration replacement because the new factory bushings are of a very bad quality. They won't last for two years, and the trouble is getting to them requires lowering of the engine which means high labour costs.

The making of the bushing copy using Polyurethane has to be done by a machine shop. I made a visit to such a workshop a few months ago and was told that I need to let them work with the steering rack present so they can take more accurate measurements and put themselves in the boots of the mechanic by making cuts and enabling re-attachment to facilitate installation. The machine shop said custom-making such bushing would be expensive, and I am thinking of making a few more pairs to help others if they would like to share the costs. Meanwhile, I am waiting for a steering rack to come off from a local 164 buddy so I need not take mine off and ground my QV.

[164super]

Agreed KY2006. Mine was replaced hardly 2.5 years ago and already showing signs damage.

[KY2006]

Dear All,

I finally pulled my QV24 out from storage and tried to fix the steering rack, this is because I eventually found a used one in the UK (RHD) and the seller was so helpful to find me a machine shop to recondition the rack before sending to me. I then found a local machine shop to fabricate the steering rack bushings using Polyurethane instead, which will be more durable if not permanent when compared with the original bushings made of rubber. Rubber bushes rarely last more than two years.

See the custom-made bushings in white in the picture below:

Also, the QV24 had been in storage for more than two years. The rear brakes are jammed - found that the hand brake cable is toasted possibly due to rust, causing the rear brakes to lock up. Am sourcing parts to get the QV24 back to running condition. The engine was very responsive, though.

There are probably not more than a handful of 164 in Hong Kong. I hardly saw one in the last 12 months.

[alfa east]

Great that you did that. Are you thinking of making a small series (or is the workshop capable of making more duplicates)? If others have a need.

[KY2006]

I have asked the workshop to make me two pairs. I have yet to try them on. I shall see if they fit well and how the steering rack behaves after fitting. If all goes well, and if there is a demand for these custom-made bushes, I can ask the local workshop to produce some more.

[alfa east]

Great! I hope they perform as well as you hope!