JP Posted November 20, 2022 Share Posted November 20, 2022 As above really. I've undone the clamp and grub screw etc, but they are firmly stuck together. Should they just pull apart or have I missed something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drumster Posted November 20, 2022 Share Posted November 20, 2022 The upper steering column is held in place by 2 rubber bushes with lugs on. It needs a short sharp tug with both hands whil sitting in the seat (Just be careful as they are plenty of stories of people with a steering wheel implanted onto their face!)or ratchet strap on the roll bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Geoff Brown Posted November 20, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted November 20, 2022 The rubber bush is static & is not part of the upper column so I cannot see how it would create stiction unless the locking lugs have broken & everything is rotating as a stuck together assembly.Spraying WD40 or Silicone down into the column should ease the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted November 20, 2022 Author Share Posted November 20, 2022 I hope so - it's a bit late for #2's approach. The steering rack is out and the rest of the column is hanging free...maybe I should just pop the rack back in...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Geoff Brown Posted November 20, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted November 20, 2022 Well you have got that far why 'spoil the ship for a ha'poth of tar'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted November 20, 2022 Member Share Posted November 20, 2022 Please could you add a close-up of where the two parts are currently attached.ThanksJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted November 20, 2022 Author Share Posted November 20, 2022 Here it is:I may try a few gentle taps down towards the front on the lip on the lower column. If not, then I guess I'll have to put the rack back on. Rain has stopped play however...Currently soaking in plusgas... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted November 20, 2022 Member Share Posted November 20, 2022 Thanks.Soaking in PlusGas before the next assault sounds right to me. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted November 20, 2022 Author Share Posted November 20, 2022 Actually - I've just realised that I do not need to split it - I've just withdrawn the whole column out through the bush on the dash. Thanks for the help though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted November 20, 2022 Member Share Posted November 20, 2022 Comment about using heat deleted!... or possibly not. I'd still separate them, and heating's going to be a lot easier with the column out of the rubber sleeve.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted November 20, 2022 Author Share Posted November 20, 2022 Cheers. I was thinking of taking the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" approach. Out of interest why would you still split? Is there something I should be considering during my rebuild? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted November 20, 2022 Member Share Posted November 20, 2022 The split column and clamp and grub screw are there to allow a small amount of adjustment and to prevent the wheel and upper part of the column being forced into the driver in an accident.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted November 20, 2022 Share Posted November 20, 2022 #7: Note that, with the grub screw and clamp removed, the upper column should rotate freely over the lower. If yours doesn't, now would be a good time to free them up.JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted November 20, 2022 Share Posted November 20, 2022 Yes, should be freed up for safety reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted November 20, 2022 Author Share Posted November 20, 2022 Ah, OK. That makes sense. It's off the car now so I'll soak it and work on it over the next few days / weeks.Getting quite excited now - not far off being ready to take to Arch. Loosened off all the front running gear bolts this pm just before rain and darkness stopped play. I'm expecting lots of shouting and swearing when I try to remove the top ball joint from the uprights...After that It's just the rear suspension and diff to get out and then it's off for a refresh and a few tweaks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Geoff Brown Posted November 21, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted November 21, 2022 Obviously the sliding joints are/were seized together ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted November 21, 2022 Author Share Posted November 21, 2022 They appear to be. I'm soaking in PlusGas and I'll give it a going over whilst the chassis is at Arch... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted November 22, 2022 Share Posted November 22, 2022 Perhaps try clamping the lower column in a vice (soft jaws if possible) using the flat on it and use the steering wheel on the upper to try and turn. If you need to resort to hitting things use a copper hammer if you can (or at least something soft between the hammer and column) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted November 22, 2022 Author Share Posted November 22, 2022 Good plan. Will do. I've also just bought a heat gun so some gentle warming might help... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Geoff Brown Posted November 23, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted November 23, 2022 Just use a BIGGER HAMMER ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team Mcalvert Posted November 23, 2022 Leadership Team Share Posted November 23, 2022 If you have to resort to a "gentle adjuster" to separate top and lower columns, please check the corners of the cut out on the upper column for any sign of cracking. Having had this fail on me (meaning I ended up holding a useless, disconnected steering wheel while turning across a fast dual carriageway a number of years back) you'll understand why this is a failure mode that's particularly dear to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted November 23, 2022 Author Share Posted November 23, 2022 Will do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkeywood Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 Try one of the freezing release fluids - Wurth Rost-off Ice works well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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