Steering column - top joint at dashboard replaceable?

[McTavish]

Having fitted my newly refurbished steering rack to my 430 precat this afternoon, I am irritated that some play remains within the steering column..

The play has been reduced but the rack is now no longer the culprit nor are the upper and lower UJ's within the wheel arch as I confirmed when I immobilised the steering shaft and UJ's with some vice-grips. However, I can detect the play within the column at the dashboard/steering wheel.

Is the steering wheel height adjustment facilitated by a UJ in the column/ignition shroud? Given the column is sourced from a Mark 3 Cavalier, can this 'joint' be bought from a Vauxhall dealer? I've yet to strip the cowl from the column to have a look.

Basically, has anyone replaced this item?

[Barkychoc]

I can tell you that a friends Mk3 cavalier failed its MOT years ago on steering column bushes - could that be your culprit?
Sorry I can't remember much more detail apart from the fact he was severely pissed off about it - the car wasn't that old.

[McTavish]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for suggesting a possible cause. I really need to take the cowling off and have a look to determine how the tilting mechanism works and what is worn. My only concern is whether a bush or a joint can be sourced.

I definitely don't want to have to source a complete column!!