Steering U-joint

[PeaveyBassist]

So... in the past couple days I have noticed the steering feeling weird. It will turn normal and at a couple spots lock to lock it feels like it catches on something just barely, then lets go quick. It still feels safe to drive and I only notice it when sitting in a parking lot not moving and turning the wheel. I took off the steering wheel and the underdash bolster on the driver side to check out the column and see if it was obvious. Nothing was. I ended up shaking the column to see if it moved at all. With my hand on the column by the firewall, the column would move a little bit and make a quiet clunky noise. I jacked up the car and shook the column on the engine side of the firewall. The U-joint that connects the column to the steering rack has a lot of play in it. It should have almost zero play in it at all correct? My diagnosis is that I need a new lower U-joint.

Will

[nickmp0wer]

is your powersteering belt tight and is it full of fluid?

[PeaveyBassist]

Full of fluid. Pretty sure its tight but need to check. Regardless... shouldnt the U joint have almost zero play in it?

Will

[nickmp0wer]

yeah probably, but mine has play too, it makes the clunk noise when going over bumps and stuff

[permit]

yeah probably, but mine has play too, it makes the clunk noise when going over bumps and stuff

AH HAH! You sir, are my hero. Now I know where that noise is coming from...thank god it wasn't suspension stuff.

The u-joint from the stealership costs $170, I'm just going to take one from Devon's henna.

[PeaveyBassist]

AH HAH! You sir, are my hero. Now I know where that noise is coming from...thank god it wasn't suspension stuff.

The u-joint from the stealership costs $170, I'm just going to take one from Devon's henna.

lmfao I love you Jeremy

Will

[nickmp0wer]

AH HAH! You sir, are my hero. Now I know where that noise is coming from...thank god it wasn't suspension stuff.

The u-joint from the stealership costs $170, I'm just going to take one from Devon's henna.

well try and move your linkage around to see if it makes the clunk noise to be sure

[Dave]

Any idea how hard of a job this is to replace?

I have that same kind of clunking going on.

[Jason89i]

It will turn normal and at a couple spots lock to lock it feels like it catches on something just barely, then lets go quick. ........My diagnosis is that I need a new lower U-joint.

Good diagnosis. I have had a few e30's (8 i think) and the first time this happened to me.....i almost went crazy trying to figure it out. if you let it get worse, the steering wheel will not return to 0 without assistance.

the u-joints go bad and get stiff.....but i havnt heard one make a clunking noise though.

the job is a pain in the keyster. first remove the rack. then remove the linkage. dont forget to fully remove the through bolt on the splined compression connector. some style ujoinst will not allow removal w/ bolt still in. i found it easiest to use an air chissle to get the splined connector off the rack and steering assembly.

cheers, jason

[Dave]

Hmmmm. Ok, well maybe the clunk is something else. I'll pay close attention to see if I have the same symptom Will described. My suspension is all getting replaced soon anyway, so if the clunk is related to that - its no big deal.

[wastedincome]

I have a clunking in the column when going down my rocky drive-way, etc. I too have checked on it and believe it to be the U-Joints in the column...

[DEV0 E30]

The u-joint from the stealership costs $170, I'm just going to take one from Devon's henna.

Haha! I'm so charging you retail now!

Mine has begun to clunk a little too.

I think we found our next fuh raze product made out of kevlar and babies.

[nickmp0wer]

i think i have fianlly figured out the u-joint problem. It isnt in the actaul joints, its play between the shaft that goes through the guibo and the bushing around it. I'll post up some pics and info tmr

[madjurgen]

i have the same clunking and "sticking", replaced ps reservoir and flushed, nothing, thought replacing the steering rack was the only fix. this is good news, interested to see what you find.

[nickmp0wer]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=62167