Steering column bearing? Unpleasant feeling when manouvering
Discussion
If I turn my steering through a large angle at low speed (beyond what you'd use on the move, really just for cornering) there's what I can only describe as a slightly gritty feel every so occasionally as you turn it.
It's hard to describe, but it feels like the steering column isn't rotating as smoothly as it should. Could this be a bearing? Could it be something simpler still, such as the plastic shroud rubbing the back of the steering wheel?
The car's been in for a service recently (and had the discs swapped over, so there has been some work on the front end, if not the column) is it anything they could have disturbed?
It's hard to describe, but it feels like the steering column isn't rotating as smoothly as it should. Could this be a bearing? Could it be something simpler still, such as the plastic shroud rubbing the back of the steering wheel?
The car's been in for a service recently (and had the discs swapped over, so there has been some work on the front end, if not the column) is it anything they could have disturbed?
Barkychoc said:
My money is on one of the steering UJ's - probably the top one.
Look at useful links for a cheap source.
Tend to agree. Look at useful links for a cheap source.
Easy to check. Touch the top UJ and get somebody to turn the wheel - BE CAREFUL YOU DON'T TRAP YOUR FINGERS OR SKIN BETWEEN THE BITS! You should be able to feel if there's any unevenness just by touching the bearing yokes as it turns.
Also try moving the whole UJ up and down, and you'll feel if there's any play in the bearing in the bulkhead.
As Barkchoc says there are useful links to the bits you need in either case, and to instructions on how to change the bearing or the UJ. I've done both so there are links on my own website, for starters (well there isn't actually one for starters, because mine has been ok so far, but there's one for UJs and bearings...).
It does sound like the top UJ. This joint seems to wear quicker than the other, possibly because it's more exposed to heat from the engine. It's a good idea to make a simple gaiter for it (from inner tube rubber)to retain grease. Try using copper grease on it to see if that improves feel.
Roy C said:
It does sound like the top UJ. This joint seems to wear quicker than the other, possibly because it's more exposed to heat from the engine. It's a good idea to make a simple gaiter for it (from inner tube rubber)to retain grease. Try using copper grease on it to see if that improves feel.
That's a very good point - I meant to make a gaiter for mine when I replaced it, but didn't have time at the time. Another job on the list!You're also right about grease - mine almost siezed up completely the night before I was due to set off for S Club this year - I covered it in spray grease and it freed up and (just) lasted me over that weekend.
Chris71 said:
If I turn my steering through a large angle at low speed (beyond what you'd use on the move, really just for cornering) there's what I can only describe as a slightly gritty feel every so occasionally as you turn it.
It's hard to describe, but it feels like the steering column isn't rotating as smoothly as it should. Could this be a bearing? Could it be something simpler still, such as the plastic shroud rubbing the back of the steering wheel?
The car's been in for a service recently (and had the discs swapped over, so there has been some work on the front end, if not the column) is it anything they could have disturbed?
I had a very similar experience a few years ago, the steering felt very 'rumbly' when turning at slow speeds. It turned out to be the column bearing. I had the old nylon sort, got a new metal one and sorted.It's hard to describe, but it feels like the steering column isn't rotating as smoothly as it should. Could this be a bearing? Could it be something simpler still, such as the plastic shroud rubbing the back of the steering wheel?
The car's been in for a service recently (and had the discs swapped over, so there has been some work on the front end, if not the column) is it anything they could have disturbed?
Road2Ruin said:
I had a very similar experience a few years ago, the steering felt very 'rumbly' when turning at slow speeds. It turned out to be the column bearing. I had the old nylon sort, got a new metal one and sorted.
Rumbly would be a very good description. The steering doesn't feel imprecise or notchy at all and there's no play I can detect, there's just this slightly grainy feel during low speed manoeuvring.On the upside (going off topic a bit) - I've had my best weekend ever with the car. Drove it for over three hours on Saturday, just blatting round and had a very pleasant hoon in the dark and the damp on Sunday night following the local PH meet. Always liked it, but felt like I've suddenly bonded with it if that's not too cheesy! Really got to the point where I'm completely happy with it (steering bearing/UJ excepted).
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