Steering Column UJ's
Discussion
Hello all,
Finally got my car on the ramps to see where the 'knocking' sound was coming from, assuming it was the drop links.
Got a shock when I gripped the intermediate shaft on the steering column (ie. the shaft in the engine bay between the two UJ's). I could not only hear , but see movement between the shaft and lower UJ. Also, there seemed to be some play in the top end where the triangular shaft comes through the bulkhead.
I replaced both UJ's when I got the car, so they have only done 8k miles. Surely they should last longer than this? Can't remember which website I got them from, so would appreciate any suggestions.
Also, I know there has been many discussions about the bulkhead bearing, but can someone advise if this looks like the later standard please?
Finally got my car on the ramps to see where the 'knocking' sound was coming from, assuming it was the drop links.
Got a shock when I gripped the intermediate shaft on the steering column (ie. the shaft in the engine bay between the two UJ's). I could not only hear , but see movement between the shaft and lower UJ. Also, there seemed to be some play in the top end where the triangular shaft comes through the bulkhead.
I replaced both UJ's when I got the car, so they have only done 8k miles. Surely they should last longer than this? Can't remember which website I got them from, so would appreciate any suggestions.
Also, I know there has been many discussions about the bulkhead bearing, but can someone advise if this looks like the later standard please?
Thanks Geert, from your photo, clearly my bulkhead bearing is the later version, so I will assume it to be ok.
Barkychoc, I can remember now, it was Rally Design I got them from. I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what they say. If I get no joy from them, I will call Neil at ML (thanks Graham!).
As usual, excellent support, much appreciated,
Many thanks,
Graham
Barkychoc, I can remember now, it was Rally Design I got them from. I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what they say. If I get no joy from them, I will call Neil at ML (thanks Graham!).
As usual, excellent support, much appreciated,
Many thanks,
Graham
Hi Glen, it was difficult to say exactly where the movement was coming from as my near vision is crap now that I am approaching 50!!, though when I installed them 3 years ago, they were solid.
I checked the bolts and all were tight, so I am thinking the UJ's are kaput!
Actually, I got a warning last April by the MOT station, but I assumed they were being hyper critical.
The UJ's don't cost that much, so I'll just change them again, and see how things are. Easier than changing the bulkhead bearing. The bearing has the triangle hole clip thingy, which I also made sure was pushed fully against the bulkhead.
I know you are impressed with my use of technical speak, but I HAVE had a fair amount of Scottish water tonight!!
Cheers,
Graham
I checked the bolts and all were tight, so I am thinking the UJ's are kaput!
Actually, I got a warning last April by the MOT station, but I assumed they were being hyper critical.
The UJ's don't cost that much, so I'll just change them again, and see how things are. Easier than changing the bulkhead bearing. The bearing has the triangle hole clip thingy, which I also made sure was pushed fully against the bulkhead.
I know you are impressed with my use of technical speak, but I HAVE had a fair amount of Scottish water tonight!!
Cheers,
Graham
Spoke to Rally Design and they no longer sell the cast/forged?? lower UJ, just the pressed steel one now!
So, after expressing my disappointment that the previous purchase had only done 8k, I ordered a set of replacements.
I changed the top UJ today as weather forecast was poor to see what difference that made. However with top disconnected, I could grip the intermediate shaft and feel the wear in the lower UJ, so will have to do both after all (probably next weekend now). With previous comments in mind, I gave the top lock bolt plenty of force, but as it was starting to loosen up, I fear I may have stripped the threads. I'll give it a bit less when I replace the bolt!!
When I tested the triangular section from the bulkhead, I could feel/hear a small bit of play in that!! Is that a sign that bulkhead bearing is kaputt, or is a small amount acceptable (if anyone has done a similar check)??
Thanks
So, after expressing my disappointment that the previous purchase had only done 8k, I ordered a set of replacements.
I changed the top UJ today as weather forecast was poor to see what difference that made. However with top disconnected, I could grip the intermediate shaft and feel the wear in the lower UJ, so will have to do both after all (probably next weekend now). With previous comments in mind, I gave the top lock bolt plenty of force, but as it was starting to loosen up, I fear I may have stripped the threads. I'll give it a bit less when I replace the bolt!!
When I tested the triangular section from the bulkhead, I could feel/hear a small bit of play in that!! Is that a sign that bulkhead bearing is kaputt, or is a small amount acceptable (if anyone has done a similar check)??
Thanks
Well, unless there is something on the driver side of the bulkhead, I guess not.
Surely, if a protective cover was required, it would need to go between the triangular washer and the UJ?
Could do with a photo if someone has 'protection' as I am struggling to visualise it, if anyone can oblige??
Thanks
Surely, if a protective cover was required, it would need to go between the triangular washer and the UJ?
Could do with a photo if someone has 'protection' as I am struggling to visualise it, if anyone can oblige??
Thanks
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!!
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!!
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