Skip to main content

Wwhen it comes to mods on the Corvette, most of the discussion surrounding the steering rack fall into two categories: How to stop it from leaking and what to do when the passenger side mount snaps off.

An example of where the passenger mount snapped off of a C5 Corvette steering rack mount

Under heavy driving conditions, such as drifting or tracking on really sticky tires (or simply over driving the car) the passenger side mount on the steering rack itself can crack, separating the steering rack from the car. While not generally immediately catastrophic, a failed passenger side corvette steering rack mount is not great and will in the best of cases lead to just a vague feel up front.

FDF's steering rack mounts

Fortunately, the fine folks at FDF have a solution... and it's a dead simple one. You can purchase their Steering Rack Brack Brace, which bolts right in with minimal fuss and it's a one and done solution. As an added bonus for the "vague steering" feel folks, it replaces a rubber pushing with a solid mounting bracket.

A snapshot of the FDF C5 Corvette steering rack install directions

One of my biggest pet peeves installing a product though is when they don't include any directions at all, followed by my next biggest peeve is when I run into issues being told I need to consult a professional. In the case of FDF though their directions are SUPERB and are easily some of the best directions I've ever seen! FDF even included TORQUE SPECS in their directions which is an instant slow nod of approval worthy inclusion.

In the case of the FDF Steering Rack Brace, installed on my (Shred Jesse) C5 corvette, if your mounting tabs haven't snapped yet and you're being preventative, you can in theory skip all of the rigamorale of removing the cooler and other bits to put in the included solid bushing. It's less work to install, and it gets the job done. Sure, what FDF recommends is obviously superior, but for a quick upgrade over OEM on an non-broken unit, it's a slam dunk improvement that has been holding up fine on my Corvette and many others!

Overall, we gotta give this product a 5 out of 5 on every category. It's dead simple, it's not insanely expensive, it does the trick, and the directions are so good I hope other folks are taking notes! It even looks really heavy duty should a random observer happen to glance that deep into your engine bay!

Product Ratings

Functionality
Install & Directions
Quality To Price
Vanity
Overall Rating
Title - Short
FDF Steering Rack Brace

About The Author

Shred Jesse is a renowned C5 Corvette modifier having blogged to a great extent over on his personal blog, shredjesse.com. Jesse regularly tracks his C5 Corvette and has also competed in Time Attack Events. Jesse loves A<>B testing with data, especially if it ends commonly miss-held beliefs online!