Plastic "anti-friction" pads on steering rack?

[formulaphoto]

Just reinstalling my steering rack, and I noticed on some diagrams that there is a plastic strip between the u-bolt and the rack. Is this a required item? If so, can anyone tell me what sort of plastic was used (is it actually anti-friction, or just an anti-wear item)? I'll probably just try and make some instead of ordering from the UK.

Thanks!
W

[Matty]

According to somerfords pre 69 didn't have them at all.

[sclemow]

I put them on my '67 S but got them from a box of later car bits. The later ones were basically very thick plastic bag material.

[guru_1071]

you can use builders plastic and cut them your self

visquene its called

[mk1]

The originals were thick polyethelene (polythene).

Something like a chopped up polycarbonate drinks bottle would work perfectly.