Steering column...something missing?

Tim240Z · 06-26-2005

I have notice a lot of slop in my steering (turning the steering wheel side to side...lots of movement before interaction with the front wheels), so I crawled under the dash to have a look. I noticed that the column has no support between the universal under the dash and the universal at the rack, so I can grab the column and shake it around. It seems like there should be a support, or center bearing or 'something' at the firewall/footbox to support it and give it some 'guidance'? The hole in the firewall where the column goes through is obviously much larger than the shaft, so I can shake the column and have it rub all around the ID of the firewall hole....obviousy something is wrong....Any ideas of what is missing here? The top Universal joind seems very sloppy, but the column still seems like it should have some more support somewhere......

Thanks,
Tim

nobody · 06-26-2005

Ok, GT right? there is a pair of bearings in the upper column the hold it stationary. the long shaft is just that and doesn't need support. there are 2 variations on the upper column. one has a plastic disc that is known to deteriorate. The upper bearing support is bolted in and can cause this too if it comes loose.

bosco · 06-26-2005

I had the same problem. There is a flexible coupling thingy up under the dash that is probably worn out. If that's it OGTS should still have replacements. Not a hard fix.

baz · 06-26-2005

try shaking it at the end where it comes out of the column support and if it moves you will need to look at the bushes that carry the column in the carrier

(describes right sounds wrong )
then look @ the uj's if as you say they are sloppy then they need changing
this is all a top safety thing and needs to be looked at as soon as , we cant have you turning the wheel 1 way and going the other after all

nobody · 06-26-2005

That is the variation I was eluding too. Some had a solid steel discs rather than plastic. One less thing to break I guess.

Tim240Z · 06-26-2005

The top U-joint definitely needs to be replaced, but there is nothing on the column (that I can see) between the U-joint at the steering wheel and the U-joint at the rack.....looks like I have something missing?

namba209 · 06-26-2005

Nope Tim, nothing is missing, that's the way the steering shaft is on the GT. it's a straight shot from one u-joint to the other, no support bearing or carrier at all between the two. But, the lower part of the shaft slips into the upper part of the shaft, that's visible from the engine compartment and there could be a little bit of slop there too. But it should be very minimal. HTH.

nobody · 06-26-2005

There should be a bearing in an aluminum housing with a bearing in it at the bottom of the column. It's held in by 2 bolts and an allen head screw. The thrust for the column is set there by adjusting the U joint against the spring pressure at the top.

Tim240Z · 06-26-2005

thank you guys!!

I guess the U-joint has just gone completely, then....I'll replace and see how it looks after that....

06-26-2005	#1 (permalink)
Tim240Z Opeler Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LA SoCal Posts: 94	Unanswered: Steering column...something missing? I have notice a lot of slop in my steering (turning the steering wheel side to side...lots of movement before interaction with the front wheels), so I crawled under the dash to have a look. I noticed that the column has no support between the universal under the dash and the universal at the rack, so I can grab the column and shake it around. It seems like there should be a support, or center bearing or 'something' at the firewall/footbox to support it and give it some 'guidance'? The hole in the firewall where the column goes through is obviously much larger than the shaft, so I can shake the column and have it rub all around the ID of the firewall hole....obviousy something is wrong....Any ideas of what is missing here? The top Universal joind seems very sloppy, but the column still seems like it should have some more support somewhere...... Thanks, Tim

06-26-2005	#3 (permalink)
bosco Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 494	I had the same problem. There is a flexible coupling thingy up under the dash that is probably worn out. If that's it OGTS should still have replacements. Not a hard fix. __________________ Next stop the Twilight Zone..... 1973 Opel GT 1977 Datsun 280Z Previously: 1971 Opel GT 1973 Opel Manta

06-26-2005	#4 (permalink)
baz opel free after 26 years Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: sunderland england Posts: 4,941 Real Name: barry williams Provided Answers: 4	try shaking it at the end where it comes out of the column support and if it moves you will need to look at the bushes that carry the column in the carrier (describes right sounds wrong ) then look @ the uj's if as you say they are sloppy then they need changing this is all a top safety thing and needs to be looked at as soon as , we cant have you turning the wheel 1 way and going the other after all __________________ Copyright © 2003-2009 barry williams All Rights Reserved save praying to God for sunday today we pray to Nike and run like hell

06-26-2005	#7 (permalink)
namba209 6,000 Post Club Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego Posts: 6,054 Provided Answers: 6	Nope Tim, nothing is missing, that's the way the steering shaft is on the GT. it's a straight shot from one u-joint to the other, no support bearing or carrier at all between the two. But, the lower part of the shaft slips into the upper part of the shaft, that's visible from the engine compartment and there could be a little bit of slop there too. But it should be very minimal. HTH. __________________ Ron 72 GT 3.4L V-6/T-5/ZF posi - almost done - Just need AC installed. 75 Chevy monza 5.7L/TH350/Auburn 3.08 posi - Next

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-26-2005	#2 (permalink)
nobody No Access Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: in transit Posts: 3,873 Provided Answers: 1	Ok, GT right? there is a pair of bearings in the upper column the hold it stationary. the long shaft is just that and doesn't need support. there are 2 variations on the upper column. one has a plastic disc that is known to deteriorate. The upper bearing support is bolted in and can cause this too if it comes loose.

06-26-2005	#5 (permalink)
nobody No Access Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: in transit Posts: 3,873 Provided Answers: 1	That is the variation I was eluding too. Some had a solid steel discs rather than plastic. One less thing to break I guess.

06-26-2005	#6 (permalink)
Tim240Z Opeler Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LA SoCal Posts: 94	The top U-joint definitely needs to be replaced, but there is nothing on the column (that I can see) between the U-joint at the steering wheel and the U-joint at the rack.....looks like I have something missing?

06-26-2005	#8 (permalink)
nobody No Access Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: in transit Posts: 3,873 Provided Answers: 1	There should be a bearing in an aluminum housing with a bearing in it at the bottom of the column. It's held in by 2 bolts and an allen head screw. The thrust for the column is set there by adjusting the U joint against the spring pressure at the top.

06-26-2005	#9 (permalink)
Tim240Z Opeler Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LA SoCal Posts: 94	thank you guys!! I guess the U-joint has just gone completely, then....I'll replace and see how it looks after that....

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)