Splitting the steering column

[sparkythecat]

I've started prepping work ready for lifting the body and have been using this useful guide, which is very good.
https://chimrebuild.wordpress.com/battery-removal/
However, the author makes no mention of where and how to split the steering column.
Do I need to unbolt the rack to do it, and which of the UJ's is best/easiest to separate?

[lancepar]

Now I've not done this but I do have to reassemble mine so I think dismantling goes something like this....

Normally known as the top and bottom UJ's found in the wheel arch area, both will need the clamping bolts removing and the joint opened up enough to allow them to slide up and down the splines giving a space to allow the shaft to be pulled out of alignment.
Of course this may involve some effort getting the rusted parts to separate.

Is this how it goes guys?

Edited by lancepar on Saturday 13th October 20:02

[blaze_away]

Spot on Lancepar

[BIG DUNC]

On most Griffs / Chims, just sliding the two UJs will give enough movement to disconnect the column from the rack. On my early Griff, there was not enough movement and I had to undo the four rack bolts to allow the rack to move forward to disconnect the column.

[Classic Chim]

BIG DUNC said:

On most Griffs / Chims, just sliding the two UJs will give enough movement to disconnect the column from the rack. On my early Griff, there was not enough movement and I had to undo the four rack bolts to allow the rack to move forward to disconnect the column.

I’ve done it once or twice and undoing the 4 rack bolts is the easiest way to get the clearance needed to pull shaft from U.J

Line the steering up straight before you start this job and scribe or dot punch a few marks on both uj’s and the corresponding shaft, so when you re assemble you can get it on the right spline or you’ll have to remove it again and do it allover,,,

[sparkythecat]

Thanks guys, I'll give them both a spray of plus gas and put some reference marks on.