In a message dated 96-10-07 11:08:57 EDT, you write:
<< Can I
and indeed should I fit this two piece shaft to my car which was originally
fitted with the single long item.2 What do I need to look out for in order to
help
me choose the best of the three units available to me. What should I replace
as
a matter of course on the unit I choose (this is a ground up re-build so I
want
it right).
>>
John-
Yes you can replace the steering columns. As I recall it is a straight swap,
unbolt one, bolt in the other.
The steering box is a little harder to figure which one is the best. The wear
occurs on the gear on the end of the shaft, called the worm gear (the large
usually brass colored one that has what looks like a large screw thread on
it). The wear occurs more toward either end of the gear as opposed to the
center. This is because the force of the lever against the worm is higher
when the wheels are turned, due to conering forces, than when the wheel is
staright ahead. To diagnose which unit is the best, clean them all out and
apply a thin film of oil to the worm and sector. Adjust the steering as tight
as you can and still be able to move the shaft with the box in the straight
ahead position. (you may want to attach a steering wheel to turn the shaft)
Now turn the shaft approx 1/2 way between straight ahead and full lock.
Adjust the steering lever tight against the worm again and note how far you
had to turn the screw on the adjuster. Do the same thing for a turn in the
other direction. Another way to do this is to adjust the lever tight against
the worm at its loosest point and then try to turn the shaft back to center.
The best box is the one which allows you to turn the closest to center before
binding, or in the first scenario, the one with the smallest amount of
adjustment. Once you have the best unit choosen, check the bearings and
change the seal.
Steering ?...Straight this way
Nick in Nor Cal
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