Steering column removal

[blaze_away]

I have some play in the very top bearing of the steering column. Have bought a cavalier top section replacement.

Have removed all the obvious bolts and electrics but I cant get the column to budge.

Any thoughts on how to proceed folks ?

[Steve_D]

So which bit is staying in place?

Steve

[blaze_away]

Steve_D said:

So which bit is staying in place?

Steve

I believe the top section about a foot or so long splits off of the lower section of 2 footish long. So part 1 in diagram. In other words how does 12 come out of the lower section. I cant work out how 12 is fixed to the lower section.

[Classic Chim]

So is No12 the shaft that comes through the bulk head and held in place by the bearing? I’ve not had one apart but assume that bearing needs pushing out

[blaze_away]

Classic Chim said:

So is No12 the shaft that comes through the bulk head and held in place by the bearing? I’ve not had one apart but assume that bearing needs pushing out

In short no. No12 ends about 2 ft before the bulk head bearing...I think. At least thats what it looks like.

[Classic Chim]

blaze_away said:

In short no. No12 ends about 2 ft before the bulk head bearing...I think. At least thats what it looks like.

I reckon Andy Matthews might have just taken his out,,,or at least knows how it goes together, might be worth posting in Tvr Fun Club ( facebook) asking him Frank. So there will be another join in there then, how do you get at it!! Take the outer cowling Tube off from bulkhead back towards steering wheel looks like 5/6 bolts at the bulkhead end. I’d remove the seat for a start as I’ve just cracked my back looking

Online video of an Astra one removal might show something!

[Steve_D]

So just to confirm.
You have the whole column out on the bench?
You now want to split it so you can move the TVR modified bits over to your replacement column?

If so then I will find my bits of column when I get to the workshop tomorrow.
My top bearing broke up (Plastic bearing cage broke, balls all moved round to one side then started falling out) so I have already done this job. I found the bearing itself cannot be replaced so bought a column. I don't remember having any issues getting it apart so will have to look at the parts I have left over and advise.

Steve

[blaze_away]

Steve_D said:

So just to confirm.
You have the whole column out on the bench?
You now want to split it so you can move the TVR modified bits over to your replacement column?

Steve

Hi Steve? Very grateful if you could advise how they come apart.
I haven't got it out of the car yet.
I was hoping to do as you suggest. But leave bottom bit in place and switch over top part.

Also now have another issue. The 'replacement' I was getting is fixed not tilting so now still need to source a top section.

[carsy]

As the Cavalier columns are virtually none existent have you considered a corsa b or c.

Check but I think all the wiring plugs to the column switches are the same.

[blaze_away]

Classic Chim said:

blaze_away said:

In short no. No12 ends about 2 ft before the bulk head bearing...I think. At least thats what it looks like.

I reckon Andy Matthews might have just taken his out,,,or at least knows how it goes together, might be worth posting in Tvr Fun Club ( facebook) asking him Frank. So there will be another join in there then, how do you get at it!! Take the outer cowling Tube off from bulkhead back towards steering wheel looks like 5/6 bolts at the bulkhead end. I’d remove the seat for a start as I’ve just cracked my back looking

Online video of an Astra one removal might show something!

Thanks Alun posted over in TVR FUN CLUB.
will try finding Astra video.

[Steve_D]

I've found my column bits and realized I had bought a 'chim' replacement rather than a cav. column. I've found out how to strip it and have taken photos but it will take some describing.
If you are still going the cav. route then I'm happy to describe it all but will hold off if you are going astra/corsa.

Steve

[blaze_away]

Hi Steve

I am sticking with keeping it the way it is, thats if I can, so far I think the column is in two parts either side of the tilt.
Below tilt is a shaft that goes through bottom bearing to uj in wheel arch
Above tilt is short shaft that holds steering wheel boss.
I think (not sure at all can find no solid data) a cav omega etc top section will give me the bots to fix from the tilt up which I think is where the wear is in mine.
Any help you can give will be very helpful.

[Steve_D]

OK here goes.
First you will need to remove the whole column and get it on the bench. Remove the lower bearing and housing.
If you have a whole Cav. column you should not need to dismantle anything above Part 2. In my photos it is unbolted but you don't need/want to.
Then grip the spline at the end of the shaft (Part 5) (without damaging it) and pull the whole shaft out. This will be separating it from Part 4. In the picture of part 4 the white bits are nylon and are creating the friction resisting removal of the lower shaft.
You won't be able to see these bits as Parts 1&2 are bolted to Part 3.

Next you need to separate parts 1 & 2. In the picture with the vice you can see that I had to grip Part 1 (without crushing it) and lever part 2 off. It is only retained by the steel balls in Part 2a but they are an interference fit between the two tubes. Took some levering to get it off.

I've not seen a Cav. column but from the part diagram earlier I have to assume the flange on the bottom of the chim Part 1 is TVR and perhaps the whole tube. Part 5 is definitely TVR with not very pretty welding top and bottom.

One thing to note though is that the balls in Part 2a make quite a dent in the tubes. These will not line up with your replacement head so you will need to be careful to align the bottom flange holes correctly or you will have to drill new fixing holes either in that flange or in the bulkhead.

[Steve_D]

blaze_away said:

Hi Steve

I am sticking with keeping it the way it is, thats if I can, so far I think the column is in two parts either side of the tilt.
Below tilt is a shaft that goes through bottom bearing to uj in wheel arch
Above tilt is short shaft that holds steering wheel boss.
I think (not sure at all can find no solid data) a cav omega etc top section will give me the bots to fix from the tilt up which I think is where the wear is in mine.
Any help you can give will be very helpful.

Forgot to answer these questions.
The tilt is dismantle-able but I would advise against going there. The tilt pivot point is 2 steel pins Marked 13x on the parts diagram but they are peened into the alloy housing so not easy to re-secure once removed.

You describe a shaft below the tilt but as I have shown in my photos it is actually two shafts sleeved together.

Yes the wear will be in the bearing of the top short shaft but they are not removable nor do you want to start dismantling that lot.

Steve

[blaze_away]

Steve
Massive thanks for the last 2 posts, that took some effort to put into words. Beers on me when we next meet up.

I have managed to buy a "new old stock upper repair kit" from a vauxhall parts trader. Item 13x in the diagram might help not sure though. It was only £10.
I will source a column and then work through your detailed description.
Cheers
Frank