Need help with steering column

Gordon Rankin · 09-03-2008, 08:52 PM

Next weekend, I am going to replace the U-joint'ed piece in my (manual) non power steering column. The u-joints are shot and I have a good used replacement.

How should I approach this as it does not seem to be a simple matter?

How do I prep the new, used piece for installation?

The lower end looks very straight forward. The piece under the brake master cylinder looks to be a challenge.

ERAU944 · ERAU944's Garage

it's definitely a lot of fun. and by fun i mean torture.

when i replaced mine i was already in there replacing the steering rack, so i didn't have to touch the upper portion of the steering column. however, since you won't be wanting to touch the suspension, you may want to consider taking the upper portion out to facilitate the switch. you'll have to bend and twist in many fun ways, while having a helper hold the wheel in the proper position for you to reach the u-joint underneath the brake booster. it's not too horribly difficult though, just have patience and beverage of choice at hand, and take your time and organize the disassembly. take out the bolts from the u-joints BEFORE you remove steering column so you can still move the wheels and orient the steering shaft ujoint bolts for removal.

have fun!

Gordon Rankin · 09-04-2008, 05:57 AM

Hmm... For this challenge, beverage of choice sounds like 2-3 six packs and a few shots for starters...And maybe a bottle of Teq___a to wash it all down..Then maybe the next day I'll ponder some more...

Can I get at the upper u-joint bolts from below or will I need to pull the brake master cylinder, etc?

hpservertech · 09-04-2008, 08:17 AM

It's pretty easy actually. I've done it several times.

Remove the bolt from the top u-joint first, not just loosen it, take it out. No you dont have to do anything with the MC. Although if you take the air box out you will have more room & light.

Once that is done, remove the steering rack, or at least drop it down. If you remove it all the way you will need to remove the outer tie rod ends.

Once the rack is out/down then you can take off the lower bolt.

the reason you do the top first is because of weight & force. The extra weight will help pull the shaft off the splines.

Slam · 09-04-2008, 09:44 AM

If it hangs up even after you've removed the bolts there's room for you to insert a very long, wide flat screwdriver and drive it into the coupler to spread it a little. You'll need long extensions and maybe a wobble.

hpservertech · 09-04-2008, 10:25 AM

That's what I forgot to mention. Good one Slam. Knew I forgot something.

Gordon Rankin · 09-04-2008, 03:57 PM

Does the steering rack necessarily need to be moved? How many bolts get loosened here?( I expect this needs to be done so the column can be removed?

And if the rack gets moved, do I need to get a realignment?

What do I do to prepare the new(used) piece?

(Fumbling around trying to find appropriate adult beverage for support)

hpservertech · 09-04-2008, 06:46 PM

You dont have to remove the rack to do just the shaft. But you should lower it to get at it better. It's just 4 bolts if you dont take off the outer tie rods, so you wont need an alignment either.

If you take off the outer tie rods then yes you will need an alignment, at least you should get one.

Dont need to do anything to prepare the shaft. It's really an unbolt, remove, replace and bolt.

all total...6 bolts to remove.

Gordon Rankin · 09:38 PM

Hey Whats an HPServertech? Is that an IT specialist that deals with HP Servers?
Is there a name to go with that so I can thank you and Slam?
And thank you Mike..
I now think I am prepared to tackle this job, armed with many good tools, advice and much adult beverage.
Thank you.