vertical movement in the steering column

[jackb_ms]

Hi

 

I have some vertical movement in the steering column but not left to right and i am not sure it's normal

 

I took apart the steering column clamp, cleaned it and refitted it and i have still the same amount of play.

 

the movement doesn't seems to be coming from the steering rack but from the upper part of the steering column

 

How much vertical mouvement do you have in your 7 or 21?

 

Cheers

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21

[henry21p]

upper steering column in a 21 is a calibra part. i have movement in mine, though it is in the rotational movement.

 

linear movement would either be play in the two bolts holding it to the frame inside the dash or play in the adjustable steering column mechanism.

 

Open up your dash and check the bolts are done up tightly. if still play (like mine), then replace (which is a COMPLETE PIG OF A JOB).

[MADMALC]

There should be zero movement.

If you get an assistant to pull and push you should easily find the point of movement.

There are only four joints:

1/ The rack mountings to the chassis

2/ The universal joint just as the column enters the rack. 2 splined bits to look at

3/ The clamp half way down

4/ The steering wheel

Put thumb and finger over each area and have a feel.

If this reveals nothing then check that the output from the rack is not moving in the housing, very rare but if the joints are ok then it is the only option left as far as I can see.

Hope this helps, info for a 7.

 

 

S7MAD

 

Edited by - MADMALC on 15 Aug 2010 21:26:30

[henry21p]

21 has slightly more to it, but in essence that's right.

[jackb_ms]

Cheers!

 

It seems it is going to be a job for a contortionist!

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21

[Bricol]

Do you really mean vertical (relative to the ground), or axially along the column to/from you?

 

Bri

[jackb_ms]

Vertical relative to the ground, but no lateral movement relative to the ground

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21

[Dickie Normuss]

I would go with Dave's suggestion of play in the two bolts holding it to the frame inside the dash as we looked at the clamp when we took the engine out and that was fine

 

VX HPC - Loud and proud here

Adding power makes you faster on the straights. Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere

[henry21p]

The calibra upper section is held in by 3 bolts - 2 downwards and 1 into a boss that attaches to the "tab" above the upper column part. There is then a grub screw between that and the middle section of the column. Check all of these first.

 

Because of the adjuster mechanism etc, you might find that there is play in the universal "ball" at the top which works with the adjuster.

 

When looking at steve's earlier, he had play in this joint so we may be looking to buy 2 new upper sections, one for him and one for my car. It can all be taken out without taking the leather cowling off, but you would need to take tacho/speedo out and detatch all of the ignition wiring.

 

pig of a job.

[jackb_ms]

I will have a go at those three bolts and if the play still there I'll fit a new column

 

Cheers

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21

[henry21p]

New upper column is expensive. contact me before buying as I can probably sort us out a price on 3 of them....

[jackb_ms]

Dave

 

I think I need a new upper steering column

 

I'll call you tonight

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21

[tweeky]

there is a bush in the upper column tube !!

 

bush

 

Tweeky

 

to infirmity.................... and beyond

[henry21p]

different upper column in a 21. proper car one ;-)

[jackb_ms]

Some update

 

I have remove the column and this is what it looks like out side the car here

 

I understand where the play is coming from, worn red plastic bush, which was held in place by some electrical tape 😳

There is also some play in the upper mechanisme, which is very obvious when you move the column by hand.

 

Dave was yours the same when you took it out? Is there an improvement part for this plactic bush?

 

Cheers

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21

 

Edited by - jackb_ms on 21 Aug 2010 22:44:09

[Golf Juliet Tango]

Jack

Try looking at this page and talking to those people if you are sure you have identified the problem.

 

 

_{Democratic dissent is not disloyalty, it is a positive civic duty.}

[jackb_ms]

Cheers Stephen

 

I'll give them a call on monday

 

Jack

 

Emily, The Very Yellow 21