Re: Packed out lower steering column mount
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 6:17 pm
Ok.
Tonight I attempted to get the lower shaft out of the splined U/J receptacle. Total nightmare. I have the car on ramps and can just about get underneath it, but access to the pinch bolt is really awkward. With much grunting, I got the bolt off. Next, removal of the lower shaft. I tried to yank it lose but no joy, it's partially seized. Spray of WD40, a Vice Grip on the shaft, and I'm hammering it free by whacking the Vice Grip.
Phew.
Except, the column sprang up about a centimetre when released, so the rack must be low. This is Bad, very Bad. You'd think it was a bodged up kit car that was whacked together with mallets. It means that more packing washers are required at the lower mount, not less; and this is impossible, with the upper column jammed against the dash!
Anyway, I aligned the steering wheel and tried to get the lower shaft back into the U/J. Then I spotted something else that was bad. The shaft has a flatted off face which means it only fits the U/J one way, and thus cannot be used to align the steering wheel / self cancelling ring. I put it back together with copper grease (the bolt too) and I'm back at Square One.
I will refrain from expressing myself fully, as I don't wish to offend anyone.
I can't see a way to get to the other side of the U/J. Maybe by removing the radiator, but I'm not ready to do that yet. I've got a Spyder chassis, if that helps visualise the underside and access.
Totally fed up.
The other thing I found is that, not being 25 any more, I cannot wriggle around under a car with the sump inches from my nose like I used to. Does not bode well for all the other jobs I need to do.
Tonight I attempted to get the lower shaft out of the splined U/J receptacle. Total nightmare. I have the car on ramps and can just about get underneath it, but access to the pinch bolt is really awkward. With much grunting, I got the bolt off. Next, removal of the lower shaft. I tried to yank it lose but no joy, it's partially seized. Spray of WD40, a Vice Grip on the shaft, and I'm hammering it free by whacking the Vice Grip.
Phew.
Except, the column sprang up about a centimetre when released, so the rack must be low. This is Bad, very Bad. You'd think it was a bodged up kit car that was whacked together with mallets. It means that more packing washers are required at the lower mount, not less; and this is impossible, with the upper column jammed against the dash!
Anyway, I aligned the steering wheel and tried to get the lower shaft back into the U/J. Then I spotted something else that was bad. The shaft has a flatted off face which means it only fits the U/J one way, and thus cannot be used to align the steering wheel / self cancelling ring. I put it back together with copper grease (the bolt too) and I'm back at Square One.
I will refrain from expressing myself fully, as I don't wish to offend anyone.
I can't see a way to get to the other side of the U/J. Maybe by removing the radiator, but I'm not ready to do that yet. I've got a Spyder chassis, if that helps visualise the underside and access.
Totally fed up.
The other thing I found is that, not being 25 any more, I cannot wriggle around under a car with the sump inches from my nose like I used to. Does not bode well for all the other jobs I need to do.