Improved Steering Rack Coupler Disc?

wswilburn · 08-23-2010, 05:51 PM

The steering rack is connected to the steering shaft by a rubber piece called the Steering Rack Coupler Disc (P/N 901 347 201 02). I assume it is to absorb vibration from the road, but I have to ask, would it improve steering feel to have a stiffer compound? Does anyone make such a thing? Maybe I'm getting a little too obsessed with improving my suspension.

Jeroen · 08-23-2010, 08:51 PM

check this thread:
billet steering shaft coupler - 914club.com

Evan Fullerton · 08:02 PM

I had one of the Aluminum ones on my 914 and loved it. As far as I know these aren't readily available from BRAG as after the initial run no more were made. Brad now has the machines in his new shop to make more so if you asked nicely, he may make more and if he did, I would buy another for my 911.

Kroggers · Kroggers's Garage

Interesting - Do these really make a big difference?

Evan Fullerton · 08-24-2010, 08:01 PM

I had turbo tie rods already and the improvemen in steering feedback/feel felt like the same difference between 130k mile stock tie rods and new Turbo ones so I would say yes. Besides for $40 (what the group buy price was) it was a cheap mod and fairly easy on a 914 as you just have to pull the gas tank.

I was running 225 A6 Hoosiers though so I suspect with less grippy tires the difference would have been more subtle. The big thing I liked though was that it is shorter so if you have the bump steer spacer under the rack, it brings the u-joints in the steering column back to where they were before. I sold the car not too long after I installed it tough so can't say what it is like long term.

Jeff Alton · 08-24-2010, 08:30 PM

I have used the one form SRP for a few years, very pleased with it....

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

So, these work on a 911? Are they currently being made or was it a one-time batch?

Pictures, please.

Evan Fullerton · 11:08 PM

Same part as a 911. Only pic I have is this one I just stole of Brad's site but I don't feel to bad as I took the picture and that is my old rubber donut that came out. Bear in mind that the aluminum one pictured is the long version. Hard to tell in the pic but those are steel sleeves in oval pockets in the factory rubber mount. I know that Brad doesn't have any more of these and it was Ira at Tarett that made the first batch at the request of Mark Garriott. I suspect if Ira was asked by a bunch of people he would make another run or as said before, Brad has access Hause CNC lathe and 5axis machine at his new shop so he could whip some out. Another person that could make some would be RSS aka Stuttgart Performance if Ira and Brad are uninterested. I would only take a second to whip up the file on SolidWorks. I suspect any of the 3 though would make some if you could get 40 or more people to commit to buying them.

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

Got a link to the site? I think I would want the stock-length one.

Evan Fullerton · 08-24-2010, 11:12 PM

Click the "these are available now" link off the 914 link listed here and that will get you there. There is also some good discussion on length in the 914 thread if you wanted to just make your own (probably the best way to go about this unless you want to be the one to organize a group buy)

trconway · 10-01-2010, 08:10 AM

I placed an order for one of these from Brad Roberts Automotive over a month ago. He does not respond to emails or telephone calls. I have not received my order.
Buyer beware of dealing with Brad Roberts Automotive Group.