1” Bora Spacer Issues…. Solved (never again)

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Boston Mangler

Boston Mangler

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Soooo

As many of you know, I did a complete refresh of my entire suspension system and brakes.

Ever since, I’ve had constant vibes in the steering wheel.

Nothing serious, but noticeable enough it was annoying. I was half convinced it was the E range Cooper tires.

Had wheels/tires rebalanced, no change

Rotated them, no change

Brought to different alignment shop for second opinion. Guy literally told me it was fine and he wouldn’t even charge me because it was already dialed in.

Saw a few posts here about spacers causing vibes so figured what the hell. It’s free to take them off and test it.

Yanked the spacers off. Checked that all surfaces where clean and everything had been sitting flush, yup, all LOOKED fine.

Put wheels back on withOUT spacers

Magically all the vibes are completely gone now and noticeably better.

I admit I put these on for aesthetics (poke) only

These were brand new 1” Boras

I was hesitant to put them on in the first place, but saw some folks running them here with no issues so tried them.

Yeah, not for me and spacers won’t be going on the truck ever again.

I know some will chime in and say they run them without issues, and that’s great!

But spacers are definitely a Nosireebob for me now

It looks kinda goofy with the wheels tucked in so much now. But if the legendary @dudemancool1904 can retain his cars and coffee crown without spacers, that’s good enough for me!

#spacersdontmatter

SIDENOTE: I now have ZERO rub whatsoever, lock to lock forward and reverse
 
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That's disappointing it came from the spacers. Wonder if it's a bad set or some other funny business going on.

I have a spare set of 1" spacers that I use to run. No vibration issues. Let me know if you want to give them a try.

I have 35x12.5s also sitting around. Let me know if you want to give those a try too. :smokin:
 
the spacers are likely exacerbating another minor steering or alignment (or other) issue by multiplying the forces on the related parts, where without them its a non issue
 
bj70bc said:
the spacers are likely exacerbating another minor steering or alignment (or other) issue by multiplying the forces on the related parts, where without them its a non issue
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Yes. Agree and likely

Last bits to replace are TREs, which are original with 223k on them 🤯😂 Likely partial cause of vibes. Just odd, absolutely zero vibes with spacers removed.

Debating whether to do entire rack, or just the ends.

Funny, because Entire OEM rack with TREe is almost same cost as just TREs and boots. True story.

Yes, im aware Kurt sells aftermarket bits from japan for cheaper. But if OEM lasted 223k, nuff said

Rack is in fine shape sealwise, but I’m guessing the bushings are toast. Known issue with Tundras (same rack) is the bushings wearing out causing play. It’s so much of an issue on Tundras, multiple companies make poly replacement bushings for it. I had a set for my tundra, but never got around to put them in.

I will try to check my rack bushing status next time friend is over. Get wheel against curb, turn, and give a little light gas. My tundra rack visually moved up and down a scary amount when we did this. They were TOAST. But that truck was flogged like it was stolen. So expected

Also not sure if bushings can just be replaced without actually removing the rack. I kind of remember it was possible. Not fun, but possible, and less work than replacing rack
 
I’m sort of in the same boat with regard to mileage and an otherwise healthy steering rack. TRE boots are finally cracking, but everything *seems* tight, and as long as the tires are balanced it’s glass smooth on appropriate roads.

The thing is if I do the rack, I should probably also do CVs and front hub bearings. UCAs are relatively new, LCAs on the shelf ready to go on. Just trying to decide how much other stuff (that’s working well at the moment) I change with them and get one alignment, instead of three.
 
bloc said:
I’m sort of in the same boat with regard to mileage and an otherwise healthy steering rack. TRE boots are finally cracking, but everything *seems* tight, and as long as the tires are balanced it’s glass smooth on appropriate roads.

The thing is if I do the rack, I should probably also do CVs and front hub bearings. UCAs are relatively new, LCAs on the shelf ready to go on. Just trying to decide how much other stuff (that’s working well at the moment) I change with them and get one alignment, instead of three.
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Yes, and I am in the same boat ON THAT

I have new CVs and hub bearings sitting in garage actually.

I only had access to a 2 post lift for 2 days and ran out of time.

Was kinda thinking same thing. Do it ALL at once next time I get time on the lift.

I sure do love me some rabbit holes 😂

Thing is, now it’s my daily, so I can’t be out of commission more than the weekend so it’s a slippery slope.
 
I had a similar experience with my last 2 sets of boras. Turned out they were made slightly out of hubcentric. Bora made it right but took forever with their long turn around. Bought spidertrax while I waited and had zero issues. Spidertrax quality seems better as well imo.
 
sedole said:
I had a similar experience with my last 2 sets of boras. Turned out they were made slightly out of hubcentric. Bora made it right but took forever with their long turn around. Bought spidertrax while I waited and had zero issues. Spidertrax quality seems better as well imo.
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Nice! Glad ya found a fix!

I’m over the whole idea though personally
 
RE: steering rack bushings—if cabin vibrations bother you, try to replace them with rubber bushings. I’ve had a few Tundras with polyurethane rack bushings and there’s a noticeable vibration through the steering column.
 
GrouchyTech said:
RE: steering rack bushings—if cabin vibrations bother you, try to replace them with rubber bushings. I’ve had a few Tundras with polyurethane rack bushings and there’s a noticeable vibration through the steering column.
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Thanks

Are the steering rack bushings replaceable without completely removing the rack?

Vibes are gone now after removing spacers, but every other bushing has been completely shot, so figure I’d add them to list
 
iwashmycar said:
Did your wheels have recesses in between the lug holes? Sometimes the spacer studs on the shallower spacers can protrude out too far and need those recesses to clear....I know this happens on the 0.75 spacers, and not the 1.25, so wasnt sure if 1.0 could still be an issue.
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Yes, ample room in the recesses
 
Tennessee80 said:
Glad you got your vibes issue identified, as that can be frustrating for sure.

Now we need pics of your rig in it’s spacer-less glory!
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Soon sir, soon
 
Boston Mangler said:
Thanks

Are the steering rack bushings replaceable without completely removing the rack?

Vibes are gone now after removing spacers, but every other bushing has been completely shot, so figure I’d add them to list
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You could, but you'll already be so far into it I'd go ahead and remove it completely.

One issue may be sourcing the OEM/OE-style bushings. Toyota doesn't seem to have them available separately. Don't forget our rack has that third mount (middle of rack) where the Tundra has just two.
 
Boston Mangler said:
Soon sir, soon
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I bought my truck with a spacer, haven’t measured it, but it is likely 1.5 inches, running rock warrior wheels and 285/75.

I am only getting a rub on the drivers side which I suspect to be KDSS anyway, so I’m considering removing the spacers.

I have a Westcott lift right now that was on the truck, and I have BP 51 sitting in the garage
 
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