Steering Column Bush - UKC2322

mb4tim · Postby **mb4tim** » 16 Oct 2007 03:06

The next chapter of my 81 TR7 saga is to get it plated and inspected.

I've got a powerful steering wheel clunk from where a grommet used to be at the firewall. How bad is this job? Is it just one piece? IS the Moss piece a good replacement?

Thanks!

-Tim
http://www.morSpeedPerformance.com

Jolyon39 · Postby **Jolyon39** » 16 Oct 2007 04:06

I found it easy to boil the bush then push it in with a long stick.

Rblackadar · Postby **Rblackadar** » 16 Oct 2007 16:03

Make sure you get the poly one.....

sst · Postby **sst** » 16 Oct 2007 19:46

My steering wheel moves up and down (if I pull it up) somewhere between 1/8" and a 1/4".. I've heard that's the dreaded bushing that eveyone here says is the worst job they've ever done on a '7.. Just making sure - IS it the worst job ever and exactly how hard would it be for an average Joe with tools to fix?

Son of a .... THATS gonna leave a mark!

FI Spyder · Postby **FI Spyder** » 16 Oct 2007 19:54

Not the worst job ever. Physically difficult. Cut the notch to aid screwing it into place and boil the poly bushing to make it as easy as possible (pliable). Don't put it in backwords although some have done that with no apparent problems.

Rblackadar · Postby **Rblackadar** » 18 Oct 2007 16:40

Took me five minutes....the boiling it method didn't do anything to help me...I just got it in halfway on an angle and with a screwdriver I just kinda forced the lip over until only a lttle bit was left and the I nailed it with a rubber mallet...5 mins.

mb4tim · Postby **mb4tim** » 19 Oct 2007 00:10

Took me five minutes....the boiling it method didn't do anything to help me...I just got it in halfway on an angle and with a screwdriver I just kinda forced the lip over until only a lttle bit was left and the I nailed it with a rubber mallet...5 mins.

I like the way you work!

-Tim
http://www.morSpeedPerformance.com

JamesD · Postby **JamesD** » 23 Dec 2008 12:22

Does anyone have any experience with replacement of the steering column lower bush (where the steering column passes through the bulkhead). This bush appears to have disintegrated ony my car causing the steering column to flex to an alrming degree. The parts don't appear to be a problem, but is it a DIY job for someone of modest ability?

FI Spyder · Postby **FI Spyder** » 23 Dec 2008 19:28

It's a job you only want to do once so do it with a poly bushing. Not technically challenging but somewhat physically a pain if you do it in poly. Some people put the in backwards is a little easier but it can be put in right way. (right way is smaller flange goes to interior so it is put in from engine compartment side).

TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra

sunnie · Postby **sunnie** » 25 Dec 2008 23:41

Hi James

I have completed the task that you are talkin about.
I put a saw cut in the bush and it slipped in with a little grease.
Quite an easy job compared to other jobs.
Search the forum here for more information.
Sunnie

JamesD · Postby **JamesD** » 31 Dec 2008 10:15

Thanks for the guidance notes on replacing the steering bush. I have now acquired a new poly bush and am just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit before fitting it (for those not in the UK, we are currently in a cold spell). I note that several references are made to 'cutting the bush from the outside to inside' or 'putting a cut in it'. Just for clarification, is it neceesary to cut the bush right through or partly through in order to make it more flexible? Presumably it is designed to be inserted without cutting?

Thanks

James

Hasbeen · Postby **Hasbeen** » 31 Dec 2008 12:30

James, I think this is an area where the tolerances are rather wide.
I have fitted 2 of these bushes. One almost fell in, & I was not
sure if it was tight enough to not fall out.

The other one took a lot of force to push in. Many people have had
to cut a slot along the length of the bush to get them in.

Read jclays technical article before you do the job.

Hasbeen

Reddragon · Postby **Reddragon** » 31 Dec 2008 13:58

James

I have also replaced mine with a poly bushing. If your instruction state to boil it, Do So.

I left mine in the water till I could take a pair of needle nose vise grip pliers and squeeze it together at the center. Then with a screwdriver push it into the hole in the form of a C. After that I released the pliers and the rest of it sprang in place.

The one point to state here is to get that bushing as pliable as you can.

Dale
1974 TR6
1977 TR7 FHC

jclay (RIP 2018) · Postby **jclay (RIP 2018)** » 31 Dec 2008 14:10

Good tip, Reddragon!

jclay

Odd · Postby **Odd** » 31 Dec 2008 16:50

To fit the poly version without molesting it in any way (not necessary if you do it right!) you BOIL IT
until it's soft enough to push in easily.
Don't ask me how I know...

<font color="red"><b>My two 1980 Wedges...</b></font id="red">

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