7 replies to this topic

[lewBlew]

Hi everyone

91 Mayfair.... think I need to replace the upper steering column bush so might as well do the lower at the same time. In terms getting the column out I need to remove the shear bolt. How do I do this?!!!

Once that's all done I've looked in Haynes and the column refitting procedure seems a lot more complicated than the removal. Lining things up centrally, steering rack u-bolts and all sorts. Isn't it just a case of shoving the column back on where you got it off?

Edited by theboybradley, 15 May 2012 - 09:27 AM.

[lewBlew]

Bump

[lewBlew]

Anyone?

Also - just noticed today that the steering wheel play disappears when the steering lock is engaged. Does this point to anything?

[ibrooks]

The shear bolt is designed not to be removed. Sometimes you can cut a slot in the end where the hex has been sheared off and remove with a screwdriver type implement. Sometimes you simply need to cut or grind the head off.

There isn't a lower bush as such - it's just a felt pad. Personally I would just pull the steering wheel off, remove the upper bush and dribble some oil down the tube (it'll run out the bottom once the felt stops absoring it so maybe remove the carpet or fold it back). Then stick the new upper bush in with the correct graphite grease and refit the wheel.

If you really want to remove the column then follow the instructions in the manual. The column MUST be inline with the pinion - chances are putting it back like for like would result in them being inline but if they aren't then it tends to knacker the splines on the column and pinion resulting in the wheel turning without moving the steering or the pinion snapping. At best this happens at low speeds and you are stranded with no steering and a bill for a new column and steering rack. If it happens at higher speeds the consequences get steadily worse to the point where you have killed someone.

Iain

[Dan]

The lower felt bush was deleted and replaced with a Nylon bush in 1985. Oiling the column on a 1991 car will only make a mess!

[lewBlew]

OK maybe I'll just attend to the upper bush then!!! When you say graphite grease in particular, where can you get that?

[ibrooks]

Try a motor factors. You often get a little sachet with re-con brake calipers as it's used on slide pins where metal is sliding against plastic. You might have to buy a tube the size of a toothpaste tube though which will be waaaaay more than you need.

Iain

[lewBlew]

Thanks a lot. Mini Spares do a little sachet like this

http://www.minispare...ty=pb&pid=35049

Is this similar stuff?

Pretty sure the upper bush has shatted as with the cowling off and stalks loosened and swivelled round you can kind of see it (or what I think is it) underneath and it looks loose.