MOT failure on Steering column, knuckle who made them. Ford?

[S2Mike]

As title says, not a bad result, MOT failure on my 1990 S 2.9. Just an exhaust blowing advisory, but failed on centre knuckle of steering column.
Guessing Ford of some sort, can anyone offer suggestion please.

[wizzer]

I had same fault, got mine from David Gerald, not expensive. Before you take it apart make sure you make all the parts so that you get then in the right position when yo refit it.

[S2Mike]

So does that mean TVR special part?
I rather hoped Ford cos thats alittle easier to get hold of.

[TurboTony]

If it is the one by the bulkhead then Rally Design do one. Triangular on the top side.

Here is a link but Mike & others will confirm that it is the correct part:

http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/product_info.php?cPat...

Cheers
Tony

[phillpot]

Tony's link is the top one, near the bulkhead, and this is the lower one,intermediate shaft onto the rack... clicky

[Roy C]

It's usually the upper steering UJ that fails, but if you copper grease it and wrap it (gaitor or inner tube rubber and cable ties) the new one will last a long time.

[S2Mike]

Thanks Chaps, I will have a ring round see what I can get hold of.
But got to admit I was worried a chassis rebuild required for the MOT.
So, well pleased its just this joint, for a pass.

[Julesprivate]

Mike - how did the steering "feel" before it went in? Mine has recently developed a little feeling of looseness (can move the steering wheel around 10 degrees before it starts to get heavy and turn the front wheels)...

I think I ought to do mine then before the MOT next month LOL

[Gerald-TVR]

Julesprivate said:

Mike - how did the steering "feel" before it went in? Mine has recently developed a little feeling of looseness (can move the steering wheel around 10 degrees before it starts to get heavy and turn the front wheels)

Check your bulkhead bearing!!!!!!!!!!!

[GadgeS3C]

Gerald-TVR said:

Julesprivate said:

Mike - how did the steering "feel" before it went in? Mine has recently developed a little feeling of looseness (can move the steering wheel around 10 degrees before it starts to get heavy and turn the front wheels)

Check your bulkhead bearing!!!!!!!!!!!

^^^ Seconded!

[S2Mike]

Now I know something was wrong, I have to admit, on occasions an uneven road surface I found the car pulling slightly.
As if the tyre pressure was too low.
I had checked pressures but all ok. With no power steering it makes sense, hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Gerald TVR have come up with a replacement UJ and will be fitted and retest later.
Its good that this is the only thing they could find wrong though.
Advisory exhaust blow and low brake fluid, missed checking that.
Mike over at Gerald TVR is a good bloke, nice to talk to and very helpful, highly recommended if you need them for parts or cars. They seem to have a wide collection of parts and body moulds, and experts on hand to rebuild your pride and joy.

[Julesprivate]

Thanks


Just checked and the bulkhead bearing is pretty new (replaced last year) and still looks tidy/tight but the top UJ is slack so I will order one of them, might as well do the bottom one while I am there too..

[S2Mike]

I was hoping it would be a Ford part, but Fiesta, Escort and Sierra all seem to be different, so TVR only part I presume.
Gerald TVR may have more in stock, if you try there. £57.95 plus the dreaded VAT.

[Julesprivate]

S2Mike said:

I was hoping it would be a Ford part, but Fiesta, Escort and Sierra all seem to be different, so TVR only part I presume.
Gerald TVR may have more in stock, if you try there. £57.95 plus the dreaded VAT.

Was there something wrong with the £19.50 one from the first link? I'm about to order one of them...

[S2Mike]

Im impatient, sorry. Sunshine promised this weekend, wanna be open top cruising.
No idea if any difference in quality.

[S2Mike]

Even out in the rain tonight , I can feel the difference in the steering wheel, much more positive.