This
Looks like one of those 'real swine' jobs
but in fact turns out quite easy.
Replacing these
bushes may not seem that important but
they are a MOT failure point and stop
that nasty shudder as you spin the
steering quickly. Also a grotesque clunk
can occur when trying to wear flats on
the tyres, as the universal lifts in the
engine bay - not nice.
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Here are my home
made bushes, turned from UPVC bar
1" OD and 3/4" ID just
under 1/2" long.
There is a small lip on the
(lower) engine bay one for some
reason, you can see it in the
picture.
An original one is on the left
here too. As you can see it is a
double skinned affair, real poor
and breaks up too easily to my
mind.
Maybe it's supposed to?
The gap is full of
grease
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Fitting is easier
than it looks
First remove the
crash pad on the steering wheel, gently
because it will rip.
Then loosen the
wheel nut and nearly remove it. Now try
to waggle the steering wheel off. I had
to take the bolt out of the top
universal, working in the engine bay,
then take up the slack by pulling the
wheel a little, then smack the top column
nut sharply with a blunt object.
Remove said
universal bolt if not out, then take the
shroud off the ignition switch. loosen
the clamping screw holding the indicator
switch assy. and pull free disconnecting
at the 'cable' connectors if necessary.
Use the ignition
key to release the steering lock and the
column inner will pull through the outer
conveniently knocking out the upper bush
with the lock striker.
Equally conveniently turn the steering
column over and insert it upside down to
knock out the lower bush.
Gently clean any
rusting in the lower area of the inner
column with some emery, clean up and
replace. Grease well your new bushes with
some waterproof grease and refit the
bushes over your column top and bottom
and knock them firmly into their
recesses.
Check carefully
the operation of your new assembly, after
all - your life may depend upon it and
refit all removed components, taking care
with the security of both the wheel nut
and the universal bolts.
Next, take
a long careful look at your work as I
take no
responsibility for your safety.
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