Play in Lower Steering Column Assembly U joints

[estoguy]

Hey guys,

As the title says, I've got play in the piece below:


I got play in the one part of the u-joint at the left (the end that is just above the steering rack). Everything else is tight.

Other than outright replacement, is there anything else I can do with this? I'm going to a local bone yard that apparently has at least one E30 and check it out.

[efficient]

Ireland engineering poly guibo.

[estoguy]

The guibo is fine. The play is in that u joint right above the rack.

[glucklich21]

If it isn't the guibo, then replacement is the only option really. That said, take a look at the video I made a few years ago when my guibo was bad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQlkgMgXt8s

[estoguy]

Yeah, that's what I figured. I got a nice unit from a BMW wrecker outside Toronto.

Could the old one be rebuilt if I ever needed it?

Considering that this is the original and almost 30 years old, I'm thinking I may not have to worry LOL

[glucklich21]

I know a new one is around $130 dollars. A bit spendy, but its not like you would have to replace it for another 20 something years.

From what I recall the u-joints are pressed in so in theory you could.

[estoguy]

The one I got cost me $50. No rust on it at all, and everything was nice and tight.

BTW - Any tips on doing this job, or is it pretty straight forward. As near as I can tell, I just need to undo the lock nuts on either end and make sure it's lined up properly.

Do I need to remove anything else to do this, or is it a simple swap?

[glucklich21]

You'll need to undo the large nut on the steering column under the dash. If that won't give you'll have to remove the rack.

[estoguy]

Thanks brother! Much appreciated!

Sorry... haven't been under there in awhile... where abouts is this "big nut" and how big? Thanks!

Are we talking the clamp at the bottom of the tube, by the gas pedal? #6



Or something else altogether?

[glucklich21]

This guy right here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=1704293&postcount=11

[estoguy]

Ah gotcha... must be under the column trim. Thanks!

Mine looks like the pic above the one you linked... it's an 86 325. I'm fearing I don't have this nut.

[noahsense]

That big nut is peculiar to airbag cars.

If any airbag folks see this thread, a 32mm fan clutch wrench is the perfect tool to crank this thing down. Threadlocker (start with blue) might be necessary if it keeps coming undone.

[glucklich21]

That big nut is peculiar to airbag cars.

If any airbag folks see this thread, a 32mm fan clutch wrench is the perfect tool to crank this thing down. Threadlocker (start with blue) might be necessary if it keeps coming undone.

Yeah this is a late model thing. I do know it came on non airbag cars however. A friend's 89 (11/88 build date) had the nut.

[estoguy]

So what I'm understanding then, is that I'll have to drop the rack?

Possible to just loosen it enough to get the clearance I need to pull that assembly out?

[estoguy]

OK, I've got the car on stands... honestly working with the rack is going to be a major PITA from the ground.

I need about 2 inches of clearance at either end so I can get it out. It is an 86 325, so I don't have that 32mm nut on the column.

My options are to either drop the steering rack (which is going to be daunting from the position I'm in. Right now, I'm not a fan of this idea.

Or somehow pull back the steering column into the car to get the clearance.

Anyone done this before? What did you do?

I'm a little lost how to pull the column... Bentley is vague on this process. I have that official manual (v7) and it talks about removing these shear nuts... UGH.

Thanks a bunch! I'm hoping to try to do this over the weekend... If not, I'm going to talk to the teachers at one of schools I supply at and possibly get some hoist time.

Big question about the rack: Should I be able to do this job WITHOUT undoing all the other crap? I'm hoping that undoing the mounting bolts will be enough.