ATF fluid | Nylon compatibility

[Spot the welders dog]

Hello all,

Have tried to research this for a friend but am not finding too much info thus far.

I seek some 'nylon' washers/spacers to use in a power steering rack using Dexron II fluids. Is there a specific blend of nylon, or such other composition, that would be more suitable?
The size of the items are; 31.5mm OD - 21.5mm ID @ 2mm, 2.5mm and 3mm widths x 20 of.

Perhaps some members may know of any 'power steering refurbishes' or others sources that may have suitable stock (The car is vintage 1970).
Or, if anyone can assist with the making of these items I will happily discuss recompense for such.

Thank you kindly from a latheless spot

 

[ajlelectronics]

If it helps, you could use AQF in the rack, which is a mineral formulation. Other than Scimitar PAS racks, I can't be more help.

 

[Wallace]

Is it an Adwest rack?

 

[Spot the welders dog]

Thanks Aj:

@Wallace - I have asked but I do not think so. It is for a Ford Granada 1972 LHD

Opps - the dimensions should read 31.5 x 25.5x2mm (2.5 & 3mm)

 

[Wallace]

Long shot, maybe try giving these people a call as they hold a lot of old Ford stock from their days as a Ford dealer. I used to go in there as a kid with my Father back in the 70's for Zephyr parts and I bought some NOS bushes and clips for a MkIV Zephyr column change in there a couple of years back.

 

[AndyStobbs]

Could you get an old reservoir bottle and cut spacers from that? If not, a lot of plastics seem to have their type stamped in, ie ABS, HDPE, GF66 also comes to mind as being all over car parts.

 

[AndyStobbs]

That might be PF66 actually. Can't remember

 

[penfold]

Nylon is fine in lubricating oil, so as long as it's BS standard 66 and not 'happy dragon special best nylon' you should be fine, but if the washers are available off the shelf then that's probably the best solution.

 

[Spot the welders dog]

Thank you for the responses.
@Wallace, I shall pass that company forward - It may well furnish them with a part number at the very least - thanks.
@AndyStobbs: not to sure I could shave with any precision the spacers without resorting to a lathe, but nice thinking non-the less.
@penfold: Thanks for the clarification - yep, 66 is a recurring theme I spied whilst looking through some charts. I really thought I'd be able to find some with a bit of research but so far they are very elusive...

"When does a washer become a spacer?"

 

[Robotstar5]

"When does a washer become a spacer?"

I normally work on washers have a radius on one side and spacers are square both sides?

 

[penfold]

"When does a washer become a spacer?"

I don't know if there's a hard and fast rule, but I'd say if the thickness is over 15-20% of the diameter of the hole it's into spacer territory.

 

[PhillipM]

I'd usually go on spacers being square to each face, most stamped washers aren't

 

[Kram]

Have a lathe, this sounds quite easy to do. Nylon turns quite nice, made these bar ends yesterday.

How accurate/good surface do they need to be?

 

[the snooper]

steering seals.com or there is a full seal kit on ebay here for 29 quid

 

[Masterofnone]

Are you sure they are not PTFE. Nylon and oil are not usually a good mix because the nylon swells and wears.
Most Adwest, Alford and Alder and ZF racks, I have worked on, use PTFE seals internally.
If they are it is worth being very careful when handling as they are quite easily damaged.
PTFE is unaffected in AQF or Dexron fluids but everything must be scrupulously clean.

 

[Spot the welders dog]

Thanks for the replies: I guess spacers are what they need

@Kram: I am unaware of the final finish required tbh - The rack is not in my possession and I do not know what purpose the 'spacers' serve in service. The friend for whom I am asking is not available just now but I will ask on their return.

@t'snooper: That first site has been offline for awhile now (shame); The ebay seller has the correct kit but lacks the 'spacers' required - Thanks for the thought!

@Masterofnone: Haha! so you've pulled the rug from under me and now I'm back thinking it may not be nylon once again.

I guess I will have to await their return to find some more information on the part concerned before assuming too much.

Thanks again.