Abbott Racing: Steering rack brace kit

[Davie]

First up, I don't own a Saab however I do have a 1993 Cavalier which shares many components and design features with the Saab 9.3. One of which is notorously poor steering feel and response thanks in large to the rack design and how it mounts to the bulkhead. I've been mulling over ways to improve this as ironically, my diesel Volvo actually feels more responsive through the bends... and so happened upon Abbott Racing's brace kit.

http://www.abbottracing.net/product.php?id_product...

I can see how the kit works so along with poly rack mounts (already purchased and fitted) I'm hoping this will help matters significantly, however I'm really just hoping I can tap into some of the knowledge on here and ask if any owners have any further tricks/tips to set about improving things further. I've already used poly lower arm bushes with almost fatal consequences (long story!) so would rather avoid them again so I'm now thinking along the lines of bulkhead reinforcement and also rose jointed upper streering arms. Granted the car doesn't suffer torque steer (4x4) however the steering just feels dead.

Any imput, much appreciated.

Regards

[stevoknevo]

The clamp and brace does fit the cavalier as the one I had on my SAAB came off a cavalier! It is expensive though. The reason for fitting, as I'm sure you are aware, is to locate the steering rack more securely, and in the SAAB's case to reduce torque steer. It won't give you much, if any, extra steering feel, but it does make it a bit more positive to input. They are like hens teeth second hand, think I've only seen 2-3 for sale in the last 5 years and I bought and sold one of them.

PS: It's not the 9-3 clamp and brace that fits, it's the early NG900 (1994-96)that is the same. The rack changed from 1996 onwards to a thinner diameter one.

Edited by stevoknevo on Wednesday 24th August 11:36

[Davie]

Excellent chap, much appreciated.

I was under the impression the brace help reduce lateral movement in the rack itself and thus would help reduce some of the freeplay int he steering, or if you prefer, the dead spot when turning from left to right. As said, I've already fitted poly rack mount bushes but it's still a bit lifeless so had hoped this kit may have helped. Torque steer isn't an issue for me (4x4) so maybe this isn't going to solve my issues.

Back to the drawing board! But once again, I appreciate your feedback.

Regards