26 replies to this topic

[Spluckrose]

Having problems with the column being very loose on the rack. I have tightend the pinch blot as tight as I dare but the steering wheel still spins. I'm gathering the splines the the column are worn.

Can I get away with drilling right the the column and rack and then bolting it?

[sledgehammer]

you need a replacement column , or less likely rack pinion
 

sounds like the rack is out of alignment , and has worn the spline out
 

obviously don't drive it

drilling will not work sadly & will be dangerous

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

As above really, something has worn or both have worn, not the cheapest or one of easy fixes

 

Don,t try to weld it either as a quick fix, equally as dangerous. I know where you are coming from with the bolt through idea, but you are taking metal away, and weakening what would be left.

[Spider]

As the other guys have said.

 

In any case, you would have a very hard time trying to drill the Pinion Shaft in the Rack - they are quite hard.

 

New inner Columns are available.

[Spluckrose]

Thanks guys, thought this maybe the case.
Would you go with a second hand column or just replace the inner column?

[nicklouse]

replace the inner and service the bushes. note there is more than one type so get the correct for your car age.

[Spider]

If you can find a good used one, that will be fine, but be sure you don't end up with one similar to what you have !

If after doing up the Pinch Bolt, the gap in the slot is 0.010" or less, then best find another.

[Spluckrose]

Definitely need a new inner column, any advice on what bits I will need and how it all comes apart?

Attached Files

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[nicklouse]

Definitely need a new inner column, any advice on what bits I will need and how it all comes apart?

 new inner column, just pulls out after removing the the wheel and turning the key to disengage the steering lock.

[Retroman]

Having problems with the column being very loose on the rack. I have tightend the pinch blot as tight as I dare but the steering wheel still spins. I'm gathering the splines the the column are worn.

Can I get away with drilling right the the column and rack and then bolting it?

 

   Make sure the splines on the rack are still good and the half round where the pinch bolt sits still exists...

[nicklouse]

Having problems with the column being very loose on the rack. I have tightend the pinch blot as tight as I dare but the steering wheel still spins. I'm gathering the splines the the column are worn.

Can I get away with drilling right the the column and rack and then bolting it?

 
   Make sure the splines on the rack are still good and the half round where the pinch bolt sits still exists...

catch up. it is FUBAR.

[Retroman]

I realize the column end is toast

 

But the "splines on the rack" pinion have not been mentioned

 

With that amount of damage on the female splines I would expect the male rack pinion end to have some damage

 

and according to my thinking the half round 'slot' where the pinch bolt runs may well have been chewed....

 

The pinion end will be harder but lets at least check its OK

[Spider]

I realize the column end is toast

 

But the "splines on the rack" pinion have not been mentioned

 

With that amount of damage on the female splines I would expect the male rack pinion end to have some damage

 

and according to my thinking the half round 'slot' where the pinch bolt runs may well have been chewed....

 

The pinion end will be harder but lets at least check its OK

 

Yes, the the Spines on the Rack Pinion for sure, but they are hard and so far less likely to suffer damage from a mis-aligned Column / Rack than the Column is.

[sonikk4]

 

I realize the column end is toast

 

But the "splines on the rack" pinion have not been mentioned

 

With that amount of damage on the female splines I would expect the male rack pinion end to have some damage

 

and according to my thinking the half round 'slot' where the pinch bolt runs may well have been chewed....

 

The pinion end will be harder but lets at least check its OK

 

Yes, the the Spines on the Rack Pinion for sure, but they are hard and so far less likely to suffer damage from a mis-aligned Column / Rack than the Column is.

 

 

As the OP has not mentioned this, has a lowering bracket (drop) been fitted at all. If that is the case and the rack was not loosened off to enable the rack to align correctly to the column then i think a new rack may be needed as well.

 

its safety critical so if in any doubt whatsoever then change both.

[Spluckrose]

Hi all thanks for the responses, as far as I can see the rack looks OK the, the half round slot on the rack is still there, I will post a picture later as am sure you will all have lots more experience than myself. No there isn't a drop bracket fitted. I have replaced the inner column and both bushes. When refitting I presume you line up both the flat bits on the rack and column and then fit the pinch Bolt, is there a torque setting for the Bolt?