Steering Rack Shaft: How do I remove it?

[Klaus Schlueter]

Hi all,

I have found a lot of play in the lower steering shaft (see arrow):

--the lower joint is not really fixed to the spline of the gear (bolt HB813). It is difficult to reach the nut TN3208 and to hold the bolt, any trick?

--there is a lot of play in the two joints of the shaft and I would like to repair it over winter. Which is the easiest procedure to remove the shaft which is fixed between the steering column and the steering gear?

Any advise is highly apreciated.

Klaus

CCI29092012_0000.jpg

[Kevin Garrod]

Once you have undone the bolts on the shaft you have to release the steering column and pull it towards you. It's not difficult at all, have you got a copy of the ROM or Haynes manual?

[Klaus Schlueter]

Many thanks for the quick reply Kevin. Yes I have the ROM but I didn't understand the explanations completely. And I hoped that someone knew a trick to avoid removing the steering column???

Klaus

[Kevin Garrod]

It doesn't have to come right out, just a few cms or so.

[ChasR]

As Kevin said, the column does not have be moved all that much.

When I replaced my steering rack the second time around I removed the steering shaft by pulling the steering rack forwards (once unbolted from its mounting feet) and fitting the shaft on that way (but if I am honest, you probably risk disturbing more things that way to be honest!).

[Klaus Schlueter]

Thanks both. If I read The ROM § 57.40.15 ("Intermediate Shaft, Remove and Refit") in German and English it sems to work with just: "Remove the bolt and nut securing steering column to scuttle" and "Withdraw lower end od steering column from intermediate shaft". Does that work i. e. not the complete column has to be move torwards the steering wheel direction but only the lower end of the shaft? Correct?

Regards Klaus

[jleyton]

Thanks both. If I read The ROM § 57.40.15 ("Intermediate Shaft, Remove and Refit") in German and English it sems to work with just: "Remove the bolt and nut securing steering column to scuttle" and "Withdraw lower end od steering column from intermediate shaft". Does that work i. e. not the complete column has to be move torwards the steering wheel direction but only the lower end of the shaft? Correct?

Regards Klaus

Good point Klaus

I had to realign my steering wheel and the column the other day. I unbolted the complete column, which isn't hard although the third top bolt can be a bit fiddly to get to.

However, now you mention removing just the bulkhead bolt, I've a feeling that that could have worked, if I'd then slid the lower outer column back towards the wheel. Certainly worth a try first.

Good luck.

Cheers

Julian

[Klaus Schlueter]

Many thanks Julian. I will try it in some weeks time and post the result.

Sorry, but I have one further question for all:

is it possible to refurbish the joints of the intermediate shaft, i. e. are there brass sleeves where the bolts are moving in? I could easily turn new ones in order to get rid of the play.
Or do I have to buy a new shaft?

Klaus

[jleyton]

Hi Klaus,

I don't think you'll find anything as sophisticated as brass sleeves

Having said that, the good news is that is so basic that you've probably got a good chance of just cleaning it up and it could be as good as new.

Good luck.

Cheers

Julian

Oops, just noticed that you said there was a lot of play so cleaning isn't going to work, sorry. However, if you've got machining facilities I don't see why you couldn't produce a new centre part for those UJs

[richardthestag]

Depending on how much play bit I had heard of some success in immersing the uj's into hot motorcycle chain oil.

for the agro in removing it, I must admit that a new one would be going in and forget about it for a few years.

[Klaus Schlueter]

Many thanks Julian.

....., I must admit that a new one would be going in and forget about it for a few years

.

Richard, I wouldn't have a problem buying a new one but keeping in mind what Drew recently wrote: "Honestly, is there a SINGLE thing which just "fits" on a Stag?" And he was talking about remakes as well!

But things have improved meanwhile as I remembered that in other threads members have mentioned that one reason for play could be in the splines on the control valve and at the end of the steering column due to loose bolts and nuts. And yes, for me that was at least 70% of the solution (both sides)! Things can be so simple.

Many thanks

Klaus

[jbuckl]

Klaus, when the bolt is vertical, use a combination spanner 1/2" & a long extension with a 1/2" socket (spanner on underside)

Or 2 combination spannners when the bolt is horizontal

Or turn the wheel to suit either!

http://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?16053-lower-column-bush-replacement&p=168661#post168661

The phone number in the above document is out of date but I cant edit it sorry.

PS It is most likley thet the bush is the worn item, not the splines, unless they have been left loose by a previous owner.
The u/j s are pretylong lived unless the underbonnet was jet washed a few times in that area.

[Klaus Schlueter]

Julian, after having fixed the play in the splines of the intermediate shaft the remaining play is based in the worn rack and in the lower bearing of the steering column. Your manual will be very helpful when I fix this part of the system over winter (comming soon as we have alredy frost over night).

Klaus