steering column

[Barry S1]

Going to remove the column today as the steering is very
bad now, going to replace the two ujs and the bulk head bearing
have read the posts about the bearing are there any other things to
look out for
thanks

[ketvrin]

UJ's need to be "aligned"...
Are your track rod ends ok?
Hopefully your rack is ok?

Good luck

K

[Barry S1]

Hi yes i think they are ok mot was last month i get lots
of noises from the bulk head and it is very notch y feels like
a bearing has broken and jamming up think i might have hit
a bump in Scotland but don't know how

[Barkychoc]

It will be the top UJ thats the main culprit.
Make sure you remove the pinch bolt completely from the UJ or it will not come off.
It may still need quite a bit of 'persuading'

[GadgeS3C]

Don't forgot to fit the appropriate clip to retain the plastic bush that goes in the bulkhead bearing. Oh, and don't ask why I know this is important

On an S3 it look like this



Not sure if it's the same on an S1.

Just shout if you've got any questions as I did the same job a few weeks ago so hopefully can help.
Gary

[Barry S1]

got it all on but there are bits missing on mine it had the nylon
one originally but has been changed at some point i don't have the
plastic cover thing to keep the dirt out or that big washer and no
spring washer can i still get these parts i see i can get the spring
washer from ford but what about the other parts the steering is nice
now any ides appreciated
Barry

[Barry S1]

[Barry S1]

[Barry S1]

[GadgeS3C]

Barry, I bought the spring washer and plastic insert from Ford a few weeks ago.

Don't know about the other parts but worth checking at your local dealer. I didn't put anything in front of the bearing apart from the spring washer. Here's the parts list

[Donnysoutherner]

Barry, looks like mine has got bits missing too on an S1. Can you show me some finished photos when you get to that bit.

[orange_dodo]

I changed mine this winter and I only had the bearing and plastic insert thingy. No cover or washer though.

I put my bearing on the outside of the bulkhead though as thats where the old one was. I think mine originally had (or at least had the holes for) the original bearing with only 4 larger bolt holes in. Mine weren't sealed wither which explains at least some of the waterfall into my footwell every time it rained!

[Barry S1]

these are the last photos but i am going to try to get something to cover
the bearing on the out side to keep it clean mine was all on the inside but
i don't know if it should be that way but it works ok not got the washer thing
but never had it before so hopping it will be ok

[Barry S1]

[Barry S1]

[GadgeS3C]

Barry,

After less than 50 miles the plastic insert worked its way out of the bearing on mine. I know others have had the same experience. I'd recommend you use something to retain it. As you've fitted the insert from the inside of the car maybe just a cable tie? Easy and cheap.

Just my opinion!
Gary

[Barry S1]

Ok will do that thanks for advice
Barry

[glenrobbo]

Barry S1 said:

I've bumped this because I am about to fit the ML Performance bearing kit to Ausin following a MOT test advisory, and I'm a bit concerned that in Barry's picture there does not appear to be anything to retain the steel bearing race within the alloy housing.
The bulkhead cutout looks to be larger than the bearing outer diameter, so in theory, the bearing could work it's way out forward of the bulkhead.

Please note that I'm not referring to the the plastic inner bush that is supposed to be retained by the special spring washer, but the whole bearing assembly.
Five oversized washers or drilled plates that overlap the bearing outer race should do it.

I shall fabricate a drilled retaining ring for mine, and also make up a rubber shield gasket to keep the worst of the road spray at bay.
I'll post pics in due course.

Edited by glenrobbo on Monday 4th August 00:21

[phillpot]

glenrobbo said:

so in theory, the bearing could work it's way out forward of the bulkhead.

Anyone had this problem?

[Griffinr]

Barry S1 said:

these are the last photos but i am going to try to get something to cover
the bearing on the out side to keep it clean mine was all on the inside but
i don't know if it should be that way but it works ok not got the washer thing
but never had it before so hopping it will be ok

When I changed my servo I added a extension piece to the arch liner to protect it. This also keeps the weather off the bulkhead bearing and the steering UJ.
Clicky