Steering problem

[parrot of doom]

A bit of play has developed over the last week in my steering. When parked, there is about 5-10 degrees in the wheel. You can hear something clumping as the steering wheel starts turning the front tyres.

The indy I use reckons its most likely to be a UJ - universal joint, and not an expensive repair.

Now I'm not a car expert but I do like to know what goes on under there. What does this exotic UJ do exactly?

*embarrassed*

[GreenV8S]

The steering column between the wheel and the steering rack usually isn't a solid straight bar, it's got a couple of little universal joints in it.

[Julian64]

stick your hand under the right wheel arch you will see two of them. one up near the peddle box and one down near the steering rack.

Get someone to hold this shaft next to the steering rack distal to the two UJs while you turn the wheel.

Pray to the god of cerberas that you still have the play in your hands.

[parrot of doom]

Well its a 12k service next week so I'll get it done then Thanks.