I just replaced the lower steering bushing on my 96 sp500 with an HPD bushing. When I reassembled everything, the part the fiche calls a thrust bearing - which is like a big rubber washer - squeezed out from between the two metal washers. The sequence from the bottom up is castle nut, metal washer, thrust bearing (rubber washer) metal washer, o-ring, bushing. I barely tightened the castle nut beyond hand tight, so I don't believe I over tightened it, but I don't have any other explanation for what would make it squeeze out? Before I order a new one tomorrow, any other suggestions? The rubber thrust bearing does not appear to be swollen or distorted, but it is rather soft, and looked like it had spent it's life covered in grease when I took it apart.

 

the part your refering too in the parts list is-5431571SPACER, STRG.POST
was it that way before you took it apart? is the psot sticking up too high and not dropping down where it goes causing it have extra pressure when te nut it squeezing it?

 

It's hard to tell how it was before. The previous owner believed that copious amounts of grease were in order, and did not believe that wiping the squeeze out off was necessary, so the bottom of the post was covered in grease and dirt. I believe the post is where it should be - it sits in the upper bushing in the same location it did previously. I am thinking maybe the rubber space has been covered in grease so long that it beginning to deteriorate, and is too soft. I am going to see if any local dealers have one.