buZy Posted February 12, 2006 Share Posted February 12, 2006 While I am at it replacing the brake booster... I carved up this piece out of brass. Though it does have weight compared to alum I can't ever see this design failing with out warning. What I like best about this design as it does not rely on the fasteners to steer the car. The only thing I often wondered about rack to firewall dimensional changes and or flex. It appears the early Z has an upper u-joint sliding engagement into the collum that would allow for such slight movement. Correct? The later models I am not so sure about. My 78 280z parts car was different in this particular area with the u-joint to steering wheel length fixed. Maybe it does not matter. If someone could chime in on this that would be great. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VRJoe Posted February 12, 2006 Share Posted February 12, 2006 The original design of that part helps absorb vibrations from the steering. The solid unit you made will transmit a lot of vibration to the steering wheel. If you don't like the condition of the original get a replacement, you'll be a lot happier. Nice job making it, but use the original design. - Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tube80z Posted February 12, 2006 Share Posted February 12, 2006 The old aftermarket version used to be Delrin. The last one I bought was injected plastic. I've never had an issue with additional vibration through the wheel with these and it did improve steering feel. Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Mileski Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 I like it! Solid feel and, with the recessed cutouts, the bolts just hold it together and don't have to experience all that torque. Its one of those "Wow, why didn't I think of that" ideas. Mike Mileski Tucson, AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjhines Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 nice design...It would be great in aluminum... There are a lot of us that feel all giddy if we can find a way to loose a pound off the front of the car... It is not that high...and it is not very far forward...soo no big deal... It just goes against the grain of thought in a "performance" application... I would add that loosing all flexibility in SOME areas is not a good idea... Like the solid differential mounts... I can post pictures of a differential crossmember riddled with cracks and falling apart from stress.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 I would add that loosing all flexibility in SOME areas is not a good idea...Like the solid differential mounts... I can post pictures of a differential crossmember riddled with cracks and falling apart from stress.... Don't want to jack this thread but I'd love to see those pics. I've been a firm opponent to the solid front diff mount for a long time. Heard stories of the diff mount cracking and tearing, never seen pictures. Make another post in the drivetrain forum... As to the steering coupler, I have the delrin one and vibration isn't a problem at all. This does look to be an improvement over the usual setup. Kinda like Ross's CV adapter and how it recesses the companion flange into the adapter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Getting rid of the rubber steering coupler was one of the best mods I did to my car. Vibration is really not an issue. Did it 18 years ago and no cracks or steering failures to date. Nissan used waaayyyy too much rubber in the front end. I have seen on this site many ways to get rid of the coupler. Probably the best was just bolting (or welding) the two halves directly to each other with nothing inbetween. One Canadian member actually drilled out a hockey puck and used that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preith Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Here's mine. Took a buddy of mine about 10 minutes to do on the lathe. I started with solid stock and drilled them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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