Lower Steering Shaft - 151032

[maverick]

Hello Staggers,
Trying to eliminate some side to side play in my steering column.I can see the movement in the top UJ on the shaft.

They are about £90 quid ish.I dont think the UJ s can be bought seperately

Has anyone got any advice for me on how to fit this part please?

Any advice would be much appreciated
Thanks in advance Mark

[mole42]

Buy the correct part and fit it according to the instructions in the ROM. I’ve had top engineers look at replacing the UJs and it’s not possible.

Don't cheap on the steering, it’s your life at stake.

[maverick]

Buy the correct part and fit it according to the instructions in the ROM. I’ve had top engineers look at replacing the UJs and it’s not possible.

Don't cheap on the steering, it’s your life at stake.

Ok ,thank you,i dont skimp on safety issues,just looking for any tips on fitting,not everything is in the ROM,ie quality mechanics wisdom and experience

[mole42]

I'm not implying that you might skimp, just making a point that there really isn't another way to replace the lower steering shaft. The ROM at section 57.40.15 is pretty clear, the only thing is doesn't say is that it's a lot easier to do with two people.

[maverick]

I'm not implying that you might skimp, just making a point that there really isn't another way to replace the lower steering shaft. The ROM at section 57.40.15 is pretty clear, the only thing is doesn't say is that it's a lot easier to do with two people.

thank you Richard

[jbuckl]

+1 I bought new correct type ujs to replace the original ones.

could not remove and make them fit.

a new shaft is the only way.

the lower column bushes can be swapped out though.

well documented in the technical section.

parts are readily available now too.

often the lower column bush wear is mis diagnosed as u/j wear…. When it really isn’t…. Especially by ‘mot chaps’ …..Who discredit their trade and won’t entertain any discussion / dialogue.

lower column bush wear makes very little difference to steering safety…. But is often noted as an advisory or fail for u/j wear…. incorrectly.

lower colum bush wear can be a diy fix for about £15.

if it is u/j wear it’s about a £120 diy fix.

[maverick]

+1 I bought new correct type ujs to replace the original ones.

could not remove and make them fit.

a new shaft is the only way.

the lower column bushes can be swapped out though.

well documented in the technical section.

parts are readily available now too.

often the lower column bush wear is mis diagnosed as u/j wear.

Cheers mate,thanks thats helpful

Regards

[maverick]

+1 I bought new correct type ujs to replace the original ones.

could not remove and make them fit.

a new shaft is the only way.

the lower column bushes can be swapped out though.

well documented in the technical section.

parts are readily available now too.

often the lower column bush wear is mis diagnosed as u/j wear…. When it really isn’t…. Especially by ‘mot chaps’ …..Who discredit their trade and won’t entertain any discussion / dialogue.

lower column bush wear makes very little difference to steering safety…. But is often noted as an advisory or fail for u/j wear…. incorrectly.

lower colum bush wear can be a diy fix for about £15.

if it is u/j wear it’s about a £120 diy fix.

Hi Julian
Ive just read through your excellent article on lower column bush in the tech section, I take your point about steering play being blamed on UJ wear when the culprit is infact lower column bush wear

In your experience what is the best way to differentiate the two or in other words,how do you tell which is to blame for the play

Thak you

[Lingen]

Jumping in here ahead of Julian, if the lower bush is worn, you will be able to move the inner column up and down where it passes through the bulkhead.Just grab the lower column by the upper u/j and see if there is "Play" in any direction.
To check the u/j, grip the lower column with something (mole grips?) and secure it. Then get someone to lightly turn the steering wheel left and right. Any play across the joint will be visible.
Mike.

[maverick]

Jumping in here ahead of Julian, if the lower bush is worn, you will be able to move the inner column up and down where it passes through the bulkhead.Just grab the lower column by the upper u/j and see if there is "Play" in any direction.
To check the u/j, grip the lower column with something (mole grips?) and secure it. Then get someone to lightly turn the steering wheel left and right. Any play across the joint will be visible.
Mike.

Thanks Mike
that sounds very logical,just need to be able to identify parts/part numbers for
Inner column and lower column so I can see them on a parts diagram and apply your suggestion.

Very grateful,this what I meant earlier post about not everything is in the ROM.

[Lingen]

You have the lower column number-151032. I see there is a lower bush kit available-152552- from Robsport.
Mike.

[maverick]

You have the lower column number-151032. I see there is a lower bush kit available-152552- from Robsport.
Mike.

Thank you very Mike,thats been really helpful ,especially in identifying the right culprit for play

[jbuckl]

What happened was mot inspector grabbed the shaft and found play.

Assumed it was uj play.

failed / advised … I don’t recall.

I looked into the play & found it was actually the lower column bush.

The parts were scarce/ rare.

I collected the parts.

Never managed to get them all together.

reaserched and found they were still all available from low cost bearing suppliers (Less than £10)

Got the parts & fitted them.

Did a write up.

Bingo …. Then Loads of ‘offerings’ popped up on eBay.

Not to worry…. Availability is the good result.

However if the play is in the shaft u/js… it’s not at all easy to rebuild…later ….I tried. And failed.

best to buy & fit a new shaft.

[DJT]

In my experience, play in the shaft u/joints is extremely rare. If this is the case with yours, then contact Tony White, I am sure he will have plenty of good ones.

Are you sure it is not the pinch bolt loose?

[maverick]

In my experience, play in the shaft u/joints is extremely rare. If this is the case with yours, then contact Tony White, I am sure he will have plenty of good ones.

Are you sure it is not the pinch bolt loose?

Hi Dave
By pinch bolt do you mean either one of these that tighten the UJs on the lower shaft, Bolt 5/16 UNF x 1 1/2" - GHF104 or Bolt 5/16 UNF x 1 3/4" - BH605141 ?