7 replies to this topic

[zeroasylum]

Model:Studio 2
Year: 1990
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

This evening I was pulling out of a space and my steering column clicked on full lock. Thought it was weird so turned it back and the same thing. Was only a mile from home so slowly drove the car back home. I then checked all the steering track rods etc and they looked ok. I suspected a loose pinch bolt so checked that and sure enough when I torqued it and it took a fare bit before the wrench clicked at 16nm. Now my question is this I fitted a drop bracket when I rebuilt the car. Is it putting strain on the column and wearing the splines. It seems to be fine now. Do I need to remove the column to inspect it? Also thinking of removing the drop bracket as cannot remember if I rotated the rack to accommodate it during the rebuild. Also I have bucket seats so is the drop bracket necessary or is it just making my steering heavy. Advice please.

Thanks

Zeroasylum



Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?

Drop Bracket

Edited by zeroasylum, 29 January 2009 - 10:25 PM.

[chappy]

Model:Studio 2
Year: 1990
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

This evening I was pulling out of a space and my steering column clicked on full lock. Thought it was weird so turned it back and the same thing. Was only a mile from home so slowly drove the car back home. I then checked all the steering track rods etc and they looked ok. I suspected a loose pinch bolt so checked that and sure enough when I torqued it and it took a fare bit before the wrench clicked at 16nm. Now my question is this I fitted a drop bracket when I rebuilt the car. Is it putting strain on the column and wearing the splines. It seems to be fine now. Do I need to remove the column to inspect it? Also thinking of removing the drop bracket as cannot remember if I rotated the rack to accommodate it during the rebuild. Also I have bucket seats so is the drop bracket necessary or is it just making my steering heavy. Advice please.

Thanks

Zeroasylum



Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?


Drop Bracket

i'd give the column a check, this happened to mine (had to get a new column)

you don't need to remove the drop bracket if you haven't rotated the rack, just undo the U bolts under the carpet, move it and tighten it back up

Edited by chappy, 29 January 2009 - 10:35 PM.

[zeroasylum]

Model:Studio 2
Year: 1990
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

This evening I was pulling out of a space and my steering column clicked on full lock. Thought it was weird so turned it back and the same thing. Was only a mile from home so slowly drove the car back home. I then checked all the steering track rods etc and they looked ok. I suspected a loose pinch bolt so checked that and sure enough when I torqued it and it took a fare bit before the wrench clicked at 16nm. Now my question is this I fitted a drop bracket when I rebuilt the car. Is it putting strain on the column and wearing the splines. It seems to be fine now. Do I need to remove the column to inspect it? Also thinking of removing the drop bracket as cannot remember if I rotated the rack to accommodate it during the rebuild. Also I have bucket seats so is the drop bracket necessary or is it just making my steering heavy. Advice please.

Thanks

Zeroasylum



Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?


Drop Bracket

i'd give the column a check, this happened to mine (had to get a new column)

you don't need to remove the drop bracket if you haven't rotated the rack, just undo the U bolts under the carpet, move it and tighten it back up

Wont have time to do it till at least next week when I can get it in a workshop and up on a 2 poaster. Should it be ok till then. It is not slipping at the moment. Also how eas it it to change a rack with the engine etc in as I did it before assembling.

Thanks

Zeroasylum

[Dan]

Yes this sounds like spline wear to me, inspect the spline as soon as you can. Absolutely do not drive the car if the spline is wearing, there is no way of telling how fast it will wear and how rapidly you will loose all control. I've seen one go from full normal steering to zero control in about 450 miles. You will probably have to change the column rather than the rack but be prepared to change both. To be honest it's going to be easier working from the ground than from a 2 post lift if you do have to replace the rack, unless you also have a very good transmission jack. You have to drop the rear of the subframe a little to be able to pull the rack out.
I can't believe how often this comes up now, it's frightening.

[zeroasylum]

Yes this sounds like spline wear to me, inspect the spline as soon as you can. Absolutely do not drive the car if the spline is wearing, there is no way of telling how fast it will wear and how rapidly you will loose all control. I've seen one go from full normal steering to zero control in about 450 miles. You will probably have to change the column rather than the rack but be prepared to change both. To be honest it's going to be easier working from the ground than from a 2 post lift if you do have to replace the rack, unless you also have a very good transmission jack. You have to drop the rear of the subframe a little to be able to pull the rack out.
I can't believe how often this comes up now, it's frightening.

Oh dear. Weel have to drive it today as its my main mode of transport but should be ok as my top speed in traffic is 25 miles an hour but will try and look at it tomorrow. Is a large screwdriver enough to split apart the base of the column or will I need a chisel as dont have one.

Thanks

Zeroasylum

[998dave]

you shouldn't need either if you undo everything properly.

Dave

[chappy]

undo the pinch bolt at the bottom and slide it out then undo the bolt from the middle of the column holding it to the drop bracket. undo all the cables for the switches and ignition and give it a tug.


its alot easier if you take out the seat, check that the grooves in the column are pretty much perfectly defined, if not, you'll need a newun...

to rotate the rack you don't need to get underneath the car, just undo the two nuts connected to the U-bolts (on both driver and passenger side) when you have the column back on and as far down or up you would like the steering wheel, then tighten up the drop bracket then tighten the nuts for the U-bolt.


my column was really badly gone, but the rack spindle was fine.

[rosco454]

I have had a coloum round out on me whilst going round a corner and it was not a good experience.As luck would have it i was in the local high street and there is a crossing shortly before the corner so i didnt have much speed up.Still soiled my pants though!

As someone said above it was the column splines that rounded not the rack itself so make sure you give it a thorough check.U bolts are done just as described earlier but if the column has already been dropped without them being adjusted or even if the pinch bolt has been loose make sure you get the column off to check and dont just leave it to chance.

Safety first and all that.