Top Steering Connection – Column to Top Knuckle Joint

[Jonesy07]

I’m looking for a little info on a couple of issues, firstly how far should the triangular steering column protrude through the bulkhead and secondly is the odd hinged fixing bracket standard. I ask this as my steering disconnected while manoeuvring in slow traffic – no damage thankfully but could only get about 6-8mm of a catch when reconnecting is this normal if so is there a fix?

Thanks
Nigel.

[GadgeS3C]

Can't recall exactly how far mine protrudes but should be much more than 6-8mm engagement.

[GadgeS3C]

Picture of the steering joint on my S3C. You can see the column engages all the way through the joint.



Only way I can think that the column has shortened is if it's been collapsed by an impact at some point? Not sure if this is fixable or whether it's new column time ?

Edited by GadgeS3C on Sunday 27th May 09:17

[tvrgit]

GadgeS3C said:

Only way I can think that the column is shorten is if it's been collapsed by an impact at some point? Not sure if this is fixable or whether it's new column time ?

The triangular bit is only held into the end of the column itself by a plastic bush. Mine slides up and down pretty easily. (ooooh errr matron) so the bit that sticks through the bulkhead can be variable.

There is a "star" clip round that section inside the footwell, I think to stop the plastic bush in the centre from creeping out of the bearing. Check that is up against the bearing - if it isn't then see if you can pull the triangular section through the bearing a tiny bit, using pliers or something that won't chew up the section.

Alternatively, you could try clamping a mole grip onto the section in the footwell, hit that and see if you can knock it through as far as you need. Nothing too brutal, it should move fairly easily.

A bit of lubrication (ooooh errr again matron) of where it passes through the plastic bush might help. So might jiggling the steering wheel up and down to help reduce any binding.

[GadgeS3C]

I knew they'd be someone along shortly that knew what they were talking about
Gary

[Jonesy07]

As always, thank you all for the excellent and informative responses.

Nigel