Steering Column UJ's

[glenrobbo]

Graham, just search on here for "steering column + glenrobbo"

My pics of how I did mine are on p2,and Rob ( griffinR ) has posted a link at the bottom of p1 about protecting the bearing from the elements.

[phillpot]

The column bearing does, as standard, have dust/dirt protectors ( No. 3). These can be flicked out to clean and re-pack the bearing.

[Sandgrounder]

Thanks for the info Glen/Mike, but if there is a slight bit of play in mine, I can only assume it is already past saving.

I might take the assembly apart to see if I can feel play in bulkhead bearing, then at least I will know for sure.

Cheers,

Graham

[NaCl]

Sandgrounder said:

Thanks for the info Glen/Mike, but if there is a slight bit of play in mine, I can only assume it is already past saving.

I might take the assembly apart to see if I can feel play in bulkhead bearing, then at least I will know for sure.

Cheers,

Graham

I have the same problem with mine and have traced the free play to wear in the triangular nylon insert where it fits over the triangular steering shaft. The bearing is fine. I'm thinking of making a shim or shims up to fit between the shaft and the inside of the nylon insert. Not quite sure how I will do it yet but will give it some thought. I might just try to source a new nylon insert.

I used to have a 350 Wedge and when I first took ownership of it, the bulkhead 'bearing' (just a piece of plastic) was in a diabolical state. The shaft could move about 5mm from side to side! I replaced it with a generic bearing from RS at a cost of about £10. I couldn't beleive how it transformed the driiving experience. I think the same will happen, but perhaps to a lesser degree, when I sort the bulkhead bearing on the S.

Andy

[phillpot]

NaCl said:

I might just try to source a new nylon insert.

Genuine Ford still available

[Sandgrounder]

Finally got round to changing the lower UJ.
So, in summary, Top UJ was totally wasted. I could twist it and see and feel movement.
Lower UJ turned out to have no play when I tried the twist test. The play was between the intermediate shaft and the UJ, and despite some real torque, it wouldn't clamp up.
There is a slight bit of play when I grip the triangular shaft, but I am going to leave that for now.

The pressed steel type of lower UJ definitely allows you to get the necessary grip on the intermediate shaft, as they will clearly have more flex than the solid cast block I had previously, however they are not a perfect replacement. There is insufficient clearance around the bolt holes which means that you can't use a socket, just open ended spanners. Still you can't have everything.

One thing is for sure, my steering now feels safe! It's surprising how you become accustomed to the 'looseness' at speed. I just hope they last longer than 8k miles this time!!

[phillpot]

Sandgrounder said:

There is insufficient clearance around the bolt holes which means that you can't use a socket, just open ended spanners. Still you can't have everything.

Cap Head bolt

Edited by phillpot on Sunday 15th March 20:20

[DamianS3]

phillpot said:

Cap Head bolt

Edited by phillpot on Sunday 15th March 20:20

Mmm my favourite...

Damian S3

[Sandgrounder]

Well Mike, that would sort one side, but there's still the Nyloc nut!! ;-)

[Barry S1]

I pulled the boot on the top joint up so it covered it works well

[phillpot]

Sandgrounder said:

Well Mike, that would sort one side, but there's still the Nyloc nut!! ;-)

Ah but..... you hold the nut still with an open end spanner (in a position you can get spanner fully on) and turn the Allen bolt

[Sandgrounder]

I knew you'd say that!