Steering column top mount

[James MK]

I had a new (metal and very sturdy) bulkhead bearing fitted some years ago and it worked very effectively, but recently noticed the column had started to develop a bit of play, shuddering over bumps and able to move up and down a good 10mm.

It's the top bracket that's at fault this time, tried tightening the bolts but that doesn't help. Taking off the plastic cowling I can see that the column plate hangs from the mounting bracket, held away by a spacer each side (about 30mm long). The column hangs down under it's own weight but there is nothing to stop it being lifted, only a square plastic washer packed in at the bottom of each spacer which easily comes adrift.

Is this a normal set-up or has someone decided to drop the column down a bit in the past? I've taken a couple of pics to show it, it's not something I've ever looked at before but there must be a better way of locating the column. Any thoughts?

[James MK]

here's the second pic

[Mr Tank]

Hi

There posh spacers, they usual just used loads of washers!

Andy

[James MK]

Mr Tank said:

Hi

There posh spacers, they usual just used loads of washers!

Andy

You sound impressed! I would be too if they worked. I think the best way to hold it all firmly in place is to fit larger dia tube over the existing to hold the plastic washers and column plate down.