I am going to fit a new steering rack to my mini soon, I have done this before, but and I am wondering about the nylon spacer/washer/sleeve used for between the u-bolt and the steering rack.

Are these absolutely necessary? I didnt use these on my last rack change. There was none on my car when the aussie made rack came off.

I see they can be bought on ebay now, but I'm hoping to replace my rack well before its estimate arrival.

Also, I might add that my last rack change was on a different mini - i'm not changing the rack on this mini for a second time!

I have never seen those sleeves on any of my minis either.
I do have a set somewhere but decided against fitting them in case they compressed and let the u-bolts become lose. Maybe they are meant to help prevent the rack from moving?

It's called an anti-rattle strip. Can't advise on whether or not it's needed.

http://minikingdomonline.com.au/product ... ring-rack/

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

They rattle??

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

In the interests of reducing NVH - noise , vibration, harshness, vehicle manufactures now isolate steering racks in rubber bushings - especially for noise related to power steering systems.

Nylon/rubber strips not required for mini racks.

For improved chassis dynamics/response you want less compliance not more, that is why race cars are fitted with rod ends/rose joints

ok, so these dont really make the safety of the rack? I have seen them referred to as "anti-slip" gaskets. I'm sure that once fitted snugly, they wouldn't affect it?