Do I need to remove the steering column to replace the lower U-joint?
 

I've got a little bit of play in the U-joint in the smuggler's box and have a replacement for it. The Bentley manual suggests, but does not quite say, that you remove the column to replace the joints. can I replace the lower joint without removing the column?

I wouldn't think you need too. Just undo the 4 bolts and maybe the bolt at the universal joint if you need to slide the shaft up a bit. I'm assuming your replacing the rubber item at the bottom of the shaft?

Easy to drop the steering rack a little if you have to, hard to remove the steering column.

+2, no need to drop the column inside the cab.

You do need to remove all or most of the fresh air plumbing to get to the upper U joint. Mark everything carefully and note orientation, do not over torque the fitments either.

Break a Leg. I replaced both of mine and made a huge difference in taking away the slop and alignment. Caveat the slop could also be at the rack itself at the pinion, the gear can wear out.

I just reread this and realized I wasn't clear - what I should have said was, "Do I need to remove the steering *shaft* to replace the lower U-joint?"

I'd rather not jack the car up, pull the pan and drop the rack down if I don't have to and can just bury myself in the frunk instead.

I'm confident there is no slop in the rack, as the PO rebuilt it. Also, I have observed the little bit of slop in the lower U-joint, which is what is prompting me to replace it.

Oh I see, in that case no. No need.

Just release the brackets and there should be enough room to manipulate the shafts up and down to fit in the new u-joint. You should verify the upper is nice and tight as well. I tried to do just the bottom one but the later found the upper one was sloppy too. Get new, used ones will simply get sloppy in short order.

Be prepared with your wallet. New U-joints from Porsche are silly expensive. Like $300 each silly. Would be nice to find a source that can rebuild these!

Make sure it's not the column that is sloppy. The upper bearing can be problematic because its plastic sleeve deteriorates (and the tried and true 928 sleeve fix has proven to be not so true years later) and the lower bearing dries out.

OK, good to know. I did manage to find a good (or it feels tight, anyway) used U-joint) for sale here. We'll see how it holds up. I will check the upper joint and bearing when I take the cover off, though.

I don't believe you'll see anything when you look at the bearing. The lower bearing in the steering column tube is an open bearing on the interior side and closed on the exterior side.

First picture is the open side (inaccessible from outside the tube) and second is the closed side.

Nice thing about the bearing is you can regrease it, if you disassemble the tube. Taking out the column tube is quite a bit of work and I don't recommend it unless absolutely necessary. I've done that job a handful of times on street cars and it's a sucky job.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1475618211.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1475618216.jpg