Upper steering column play

[Ian928]

I just took out the upper steering column to install the steering column bush kit from LD. I have not dismantled anything, but when checking I can find no play in the front where the parts for the column bush kit go (that is not to say there is no play there) but I find lots of play in the sliding joint between the two outer tubes on the column. The play is where I point the screwdriver in the attached picture. I have also snatched a picture of the outer column from Rimmers. This play is probably felt more by the fact that I like to have the steering wheel all the way out when driving.

Is there anything to be done to this? It seems there is no bushes or anything that can be changed. I am thinking about peening the outer tube, is there any possible problems associated with this? I am thinking about the steering column not collapsing in a crash, but on the other hand, as long as the column can be adjsuted manually that should not be a problem. The other option may be to change the outer part completely.

IMG_1955.jpg
Steering column.jpg

[milothedog]

You need some of these.

http://www.ldparts.co.uk/shop/shop.php?c=viewproduct&pid=945&cat=48&sid=sidcc4e4db46da021a08e87f1761408c615

[Ian928]

Aha! Thank you! I thought the hole in the outer tube was for lubrication, but it is probably to hold this bush in place! Is there more parts that should be changed at the same time? It is getting costly to send parts one by one to Noway...

[milothedog]

Aha! Thank you! I thought the hole in the outer tube was for lubrication, but it is probably to hold this bush in place! Is there more parts that should be changed at the same time? It is getting costly to send parts one by one to Noway...

Just 2 of those in the outer tube. The at the bottom and 2 bearings in the top bit.

[Ian928]

Ok, now I am a bit confused (again!) at how the lower bearing is assembled. See a bit down in this thread there is a DIY in Word format about how to change these bearings: http://socforum.com/forum/showthread...=bush+steering

I assume that the yellow teflon or plastic material should act as a bearing surface? My question is about this facing the collar that the DX bush is fitted inside. The sides of this bushing does not look to be machined to act as a bearing surface to me. In my opinion it would be better to turn them around so they do not turn with the shaft but act as a bearing against the two plain washers.

Additionally, as far as I can see the DX bushing has not acted as a bearing, there is not wear on it at all. I think the inner sleeve has been turning on the shaft. I hope this may be fixed with the spring washer that LD has included in his kit?