MG Car Repair: Steering rack assembly, thrust washer, clever tips

Question
I got a new felt washer for the steering rack pinion shaft on my '54 MG TF from Moss. The washer is quite fat and fluffy and I can't see a way of getting it into the housing. It just squashes up behind the thrust washer and its too floppy to fit in the housing before putting in the pinion.

Are there any clever tips on how to fit it?

According to posts I have read so far it doesn't do much anyway so is it OK to leave it out?

I read somewhere that someone put an O ring on the shaft. I can't  see how that's going to fit in the housing either. What about a fibre washer that's about the only thing that looks as though it might go in with the pinion.

Thanks

AJ

Answer
Hi Alan.  

Soak the felt in EP90 gear oil, then place between two small planks of wood and squash it in a vice.  Do a trial fit.  You may need to trim it slightly with scissors.  It should go in easily (so long as you are quick).  

You could use an O ring, so long as you can find one thin enough.  They come in different thicknesses.  However, there is no groove to locate it, so it might pop out once you start to use the car.