Steering Repair Info (Steady Bearing)

[inno]

Greetings:

My steady bearing is trashed and I need to replace it. I think I may
be able to replace it without removing the steering column or the
steering rack. Before undertaking this enjoyable chore, I was
wondering if anyone has done this before and had any tips to make
the cuss factor somewhat lower. Any advice would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks,

Pete
90 SE

[dbebb55]

Pete.. I replaced mine during the process of installing a new rack. I had to remove the lower pinion shaft u/j. Then remove the bracket holding the steady bearing. Not alot of room to work on it . The bearing is pressed in, but comes out easily. The new plastic bearing was just as loose as the old one...lots of play. Be sure you really need one before fighting with this project..Its a couple of " 18 packs" job. Got the bearing from JAE.

Dave
90SE
I like the snowman!!!!

[inno]

dbebb55 said:

The new plastic bearing was just as loose as the old one...lots of play. Be sure you really need one before fighting with this project..Its a couple of " 18 packs" job. Got the bearing from JAE. Dave 90SE I like the snowman!!!!

You've got to be kidding me! The new one was loose?! How loose was it? Mine is pretty sloppy, I would say I have 1/8" lateral play each way for a total of 1/4". It doesn't sound like much but it is enough that I can notice it when driving. I would hate to do this job and see no improvement. Heck, I had an '18 pack' just thinking about the job!

Thanks for the reply.

Pete
Snowman sculptor extraordinaire

[dbebb55]

Pete... After replaceing the bush I still had about an !/8" play in the shaft from one side to the other. The steering shaft sill rattles a bit when I hit a bump. I was told the English version doesn't have the bushing and bracket. Check the bolts on all the universals...a couple of mine were loose. That seemed to tighten things up more than replacing the bearing. Better yet...take that second 18 pack, along with the kids and go out and see if ya can improve your snowman making skills.
Dave
90SE

[jk1]

Dave,

Are you saying that the kids can build better snowmen if they are drinking beer......

[inno]

Thanks for the info Dave. I'm going to put the steering on hold for now, I've got a million other things to do on the car while the engine is out anyway.

As you can see by the snowman, there is no need for improvement, it is sheer perfection! :>
I'll save the 18 pack for the valve adjustments.

Jim, the kids do better on a bottle of cough medicine than the beer. Speaking of beer, how's your transmission coming?

Later guys...

Pete

[ragingfool]

Pete,
I replaced mine recently after removing my steering rack to rebuild it just as Dave said.
my new steady bushing had no play in it and solved the clunking when the steering wheel was turned.
I put plenty of Mobil 1 synthetic grease on the bushing and shaft to reduce wear on it.
Chris
90SE

[inno]

Thanks Chris. I guess I'm looking for any excuse not to perform this repair, it looks like a real pain in the butt. I don't know which would be easier, removing the steering column, dropping the rack, or just trying to get it out without doing either of the prior two.

Pete

[lotusse89]

Pete,

The rack is easy to remove, just need a pickle fork for the tierod ends, then undo 4 bolts on the rack brackets, and one bolt for the u-joint. That'll give you more room to work.

Travis
Vulcan Grey 89SE
www.lotuscolorado.com/vulcangrey/

[jk1]

Hey Pete,

You might want to check with Karl-Franz Marquez of EFF as he recently pulled his rack and I don't believe it was too bad at all IIRC.

Oh and check your email re: the tranny. It came out and went back in with no problem.

Jim

I see Travis already confirmed that............

>> Edited by jk1 on Tuesday 22 February 19:35