Steering column Question

[madformotors]

HI Guys,
I'm trying to get the 'slop' out of my Tasmin's steering coumn. Most of it's down to the upper U/J, but there's slight play in the bulkhead bush. I've got the replacement, and have taken off the retainer (photos).
The question is - does this bush really fit into this retainer? The don't look to be related at all!
I thought I'd ask before I do something I might regret with a sharp implement.

Ian

[Grady]

It looks like I remember my first or second replacement. But since you have it apart, do yourself a favor and replace it with a proper bearing set up. Here is a link to help: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=15...

Grady

Edited by Grady on Sunday 23 July 17:55

[madformotors]

Grady said:

It looks like I remember my first or second replacement. But since you have it apart, do yourself a favor and replace it with a proper bearing set up. Here is a link to help: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=15...

Grady

Edited by Grady on Sunday 23 July 17:55

Wow, this is a really good idea, many thanks,

Ian

[KKson]

I replaced the lower column bush on my 390 with a pukka bearing last year and it makes a big difference in feel and lack of play. An easy DIY job that took less than 2 hours including making a suitable plate to bolt to the footwell bulkhead. Photo below shows old plate and bush on left and new bits on right.





The black stuff is silicon sealant to ensure no water got back into the footwell. Once it had set I did tidy it up.

[madformotors]

Lovely job!
Thanks guys
Ian

[440Interceptor]

I've done the bearing job too, fixes the up/down side/side slop but not the play. That down to the UJs as you say.

[madformotors]

Well in the end I put the bush back in as the play was only very slight there, but changed the UJ, which was knackered . I figgered that if there was still a problem I could change the bush later if I had to. Incidentally I was advised to move the steering column back to give enough room to get the UJ out, but try as i might I couldn't get a spanner on the top nuts, so I did plan b and moved the PAS rack forward. Bit of a pig of a job for such a minor repair, but what the heck, it was worth it. All rattling/slop is now gone, I can merrily drive through Lincolnshire's fine collection of potholes without the car sounding as if it's falling to bits.
Ian

[Jubjub502]

I did the bulkhead bearing mod and I'm pretty pleased. While I was at it, I realigned my column, via the rack u-joint (no index notch) so the turn signals cancel correctly now.