Intermediate Steering Column?

[Mike Walker 0]

Looking at this pic:

 

 

The rubber gaitor on the bottom of what Haynes calls the 'intermediate steering column' is ripped and the bearings inside look like they're exposed.

 

I think this could be why my steering is very heavy and notchy is this what you guys on here call the lower universal joint as I can't see reference to that in the Haynes?

 

Also is this part what ECP call the lower steering column as I need to buy a new one of whatever it is...

 

It looks to me like this part may be a part of the steering rack?

[Powers 13]

No thats not the lower universal joint, and no that isn't what ECP call the lower steering column.

That is part of the rack and hence I would suggest that you either strip the top part of the rack and give it a good clean and check for wear or replace it with a new one.

[hengti 2]

a stiff U/J in the lower column could account for the symptoms described; disconnect it from the rack and check the U/J moves freely in both directions; if it doesn't - that'll be it

 

if you need one, i've two good spare lower columns (one circular pinion and one square pinion) - you're welcome to either for a fiver

[Powers 13]

Good idea, replace the U.J then see what its like!

Edited June 27, 2007 by Powers

[welshpug 1,657]

this bit ? http://www.stuartmcguire.co.uk/pug/GB/205F/4/41C01A.HTM

[Mike Walker 0]

So is the lower column inside the car or inside the engine bay? This is what confuses me because Haynes call the bit inside the car the steering column and the bit in the engine bay that connects to the rack the intermediate steering column but there is no 'lower steering column'

 

I'll have a play with the steering tonight and look at this bit with the perished gaitor a bit closer to see if I might need to replace the whole rack.

 

a stiff U/J in the lower column could account for the symptoms described; disconnect it from the rack and check the U/J moves freely in both directions; if it doesn't - that'll be it

 

if you need one, i've two good spare lower columns (one circular pinion and one square pinion) - you're welcome to either for a fiver

 

Cheers, might take you up on that if mine turns out to be duff

[hengti 2]

the lower column connects to the upper column in the driver's footwell - it's splined and slides into the upper column

 

the lower column then continues through the grommet in the bulkhead and connects to the rack under the car; the U/J in this column is under the car

[Mike Walker 0]

the lower column connects to the upper column in the driver's footwell - it's splined and slides into the upper column

 

the lower column then continues through the grommet in the bulkhead and connects to the rack under the car; the U/J in this column is under the car

 

Got ya

 

So the rubber that has perished is where the lower column connects to the rack. Just out of interest is it a recirculating ball system working the rack or something else?

 

If the bearings had gone inside that bit wouldn't it make the steering feel sloppy and loose rather than hard and notchy?

[hengti 2]

steering is rack&pinion

 

i'm not sure myself but don't think there's a rubber boot on the rack at that point (could well be wrong)

 

the small number of lower column U/Js i've seen haven't had boots over them but i understand that they were fitted to some cars - given the size of the U/J, it must be a fairly substantial looking boot though

 

you can diagnose a U/J problem without dismantling anything - put the front end up on stands and run the rack through its travel - if there's a U/J problem, you'll likely feel the wheel going stiff, then loose, then stiff - this is the effect of the U/J having stiffened up in one of its two planes of movement. that said, i guess it's possible both could have stiffened - in which case this method won't tell you much. it's really only 20mins work to disconnect the lower column from the rack and check it by hand which'll give you an immediate answer

.

i'm tinkering in the garage this weekend and can offer to have a look at it if it helps at all - could fit one of these columns if you need one

 

 

ed. on reflection, there might be a small rubber boot over the pinion in the rack (just can't remember! )

new racks are about £50 and aren't that difficult to fit

anyway - let me know if you'd like any help with it

Edited June 28, 2007 by hengti