View Full Version : Suspension Steering column bushing
opethmike
07-30-2011, 06:45 PM
My car is in need of a steering column bushing. I seem to remember there being a few options. Would like to hear everyone's opinions on the available choices.
IMO, order one from your favorite vendor then install it as intended, i.e. don't cut it in half to install it. If you order it from one of the franchises they should provide you with some comprehensive directions, if they don't I can send you a copy.
Chris 16409
07-30-2011, 06:53 PM
IMO, order one from your favorite vendor then install it as intended, i.e. don't cut it in half to install it. If you order it from one of the franchises they should provide you with some comprehensive directions, if they don't I can send you a copy.
Hey Sean, I'd be interested in a copy of those instructions.
content22207
07-30-2011, 11:06 PM
Houston's new bushings are soft enough to insert with your fingers.
Bill Robertson
#5939
DeLorean
07-31-2011, 12:13 AM
I have the one from DMC Houston, works fine so far. You basically have to pull the steering column, remove anything that's left of your original unit, and install the new one. Fairly easy fix really!
GS450-Junkie
07-31-2011, 01:11 AM
bought Special-T's many years back. Tapped it in with a hammer to install and it shattered in a million pieces. He made me buy another one..... :bootyshake:
opethmike
08-07-2011, 07:00 PM
I installed my new bushing today (I got it from DMC-MW). Job took about 2 hours from start to finish; including jacking the car up/down, and putting tools away.
While there were some pretty uncomfortable positions I had to take to reach everything, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Here is how I did it:
Raised car
Removed left front wheel
Removed the bolt at the top of the U-joint column
Removed the bolt in the middle of the U-joint column
Removed the bolt at the bottom of the U-joint column
Made reference marks on the top of the U-joint and steering column with white-out
Used a screw driver and hammer to knock the column down as far as it would go
Went into car
Loosened the tilt/telescope knob
Pulled steering wheel as far into the car as it would go
Locked the knob back down
Peeled the last bits of old bushing out
Greased new bushing, and was able to push it in with my fingers
Had a friend turn the wheel as necessary while I fed the U-joint column back on to it, making sure reference marks lined up
Re-installed all three bolts in U-joint column
All done!
There is a How-To posted on the subject of bushing replacement instructions:
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?42-How-To-Replace-steering-column-bushing
opethmike
08-07-2011, 09:24 PM
There is a How-To posted on the subject of bushing replacement instructions:
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?42-How-To-Replace-steering-column-bushing
Fair enough, but there are a lot of additional steps in that write up that aren't necessary.
Farrar
08-10-2011, 06:47 PM
Does the new bushing help with the steering column dropping down as you drive? I have to adjust my steering wheel up every time I drive the car, because it falls down all the time no matter how tight I screw down the adjustment screw. Does that have to do with the bushing, or just that I am short and like the steering wheel all the way up so I can see the gauges?
Farrar
Does the new bushing help with the steering column dropping down as you drive? I have to adjust my steering wheel up every time I drive the car, because it falls down all the time no matter how tight I screw down the adjustment screw. Does that have to do with the bushing, or just that I am short and like the steering wheel all the way up so I can see the gauges?
Farrar
No the bushing does not effect the tilt.
Farrar
08-10-2011, 06:53 PM
No the bushing does not effect the tilt.
Meh. All right, that's what I was afraid of. I guess I will just adjust the wheel up every time I drive the car. Thanks!
Farrar
Here is what you need to investigate, it may be cracked:
http://www.delorean.com/store/p-7367-steering-column-neck.aspx
1batt4u
08-10-2011, 08:13 PM
Do the steering bushing come in poly bushings or regular??
They are made of a pretty rigid material, not sure what each vendor makes them out of or what you mean by "regular"
Bitsyncmaster
08-10-2011, 08:29 PM
They are made of a pretty rigid material, not sure what each vendor makes them out of or what you mean by "regular"
The new DMCH ones are rubber and flexible. Make them very easy to install.
Iznodmad
08-10-2011, 08:53 PM
I have to adjust my steering wheel up every time I drive the car, because it falls down all the time no matter how tight I screw down the adjustment screw.
Farrar
Interesting. That happens with #16128, but not #5000. Sure is annoying, I feel your pain.
john 05141
08-11-2011, 04:03 AM
Basic question from a not so technical owner;
When I turn my wheel, it squeeks near my feet. I can do something about that by spraying WD-40 where the steering column goes into the body. But the sound comes back after a while.
Is this where that bushing is, and is this the signal for me to have it replaced?
John
Bitsyncmaster
08-11-2011, 05:21 AM
Basic question from a not so technical owner;
When I turn my wheel, it squeeks near my feet. I can do something about that by spraying WD-40 where the steering column goes into the body. But the sound comes back after a while.
Is this where that bushing is, and is this the signal for me to have it replaced?
John
If yours was replace with hard type bushing than that may be the cause of your squeak. Some of the early replacements were to tight on the column.
You will know when your OEM bushing has failed. When you go over a bump in the road, you feel you steering wheel banging on the under body. The OEM bearing just falls apart and you will see that with inspection.
You will know when your OEM bushing has failed. When you go over a bump in the road, you feel you steering wheel banging on the under body. The OEM bearing just falls apart and you will see that with inspection.
you can also just grab the column and try to shake, if it rattles at the wall you should replace it.
stevedmc
08-11-2011, 10:22 AM
The new DMCH ones are rubber and flexible. Make them very easy to install.
The DMCH bushings are also easy to pop out. I installed one about a month ago and a week later it popped out. When I get around to it I am going to glue that sucker in there.
Bitsyncmaster
08-11-2011, 04:38 PM
The DMCH bushings are also easy to pop out. I installed one about a month ago and a week later it popped out. When I get around to it I am going to glue that sucker in there.
Like this :)
john 05141
08-12-2011, 03:12 AM
you can also just grab the column and try to shake, if it rattles at the wall you should replace it.
No, it is very tight!!
I had a new wteering house installed last year. The whole steering is so tight, that if I take a turn, while driving, I let the steering wheel go, it will continue its turn. It was like that in the beginning however, it is not THAT tight anymore, but almost
But thanks for the input!
John
No, it is very tight!!
Good news then, sounds like your bushing is just fine, maybe a little squeaky from friction .
MartyP
08-12-2011, 09:47 AM
I installed one in February from DMCMW, the easy way, split it and I just slid it from the inside, It still there and working great.
sdg3205
10-14-2011, 12:51 AM
With my new bushing, there is some farting/squeaking when I turn. Like screeching brakes or panels rattles, it's a vibe killer.
What's the best lubricant for the bushing and column?
john 05141
10-14-2011, 02:51 AM
Got exactely that!!
WD-40 is very good. It has a long plastic tube, so you can easily reach that area. I do have some paper towels to whipe off what comes out.
Problem is gone immediately, but comes back after 3 months. (in my case, in rather cool sumers and 2000 miles per year)
John
David T
10-14-2011, 10:28 AM
WD-40 is not a great lubricant. Use spray silicone lube on the steering bushing, upper and lower front spring perches, sway bar bushings, and Control arm bushings. You can also spray some on a rag and wipe it on the door seals to keep them supple.
David Teitelbaum
Farrar
10-14-2011, 10:57 AM
+1 on the silicone spray; I buy it at the hardware store for a few dollars per can. That stuff continues to lubricate for months, so one can lasts a long time. Just don't lose the straw. :)
Farrar
BTTF-1
10-14-2011, 10:59 AM
Gents
Just wondering. I learn more about the D here every day.
Is this the part replacement to help tighten the hight of the steering column so it doesn't keep falling in your lap.
Ed:tantrum:
+1 on silicone spray.
Totally an aside- Is it me or do you always wind up with 1/4 can with no propellant?
(I keep the can upright but I always wind up putting the rest in a jar.)
Ed,
Mine had a little up/down motion that the bushing took care of but most of it was side to side.
check this out http://www.delorean.com/store/p-7367-steering-column-neck.aspx
David T
10-14-2011, 01:21 PM
If you are having problems with the locking for the tilt/telescopic the hardware is probably assembled in the wrong order (or some of it may be missing). The steering bushing keeps the inner steering column shaft centered as it enters through the firewall. You can see it if you look up and behind the front left wheel.
David Teitelbaum
BTTF-1
10-14-2011, 01:50 PM
Gents
Thanks for the clarification. I had now idea whatsoever what to look for for this part. I never owned a car with so many parts that need replacing. I am sure glad she was in mint condition when I purchased her. Only 133 more parts to go.
Ed:flamed:
Marty
10-14-2011, 08:58 PM
I've got the brass bushing and my column STILL rattles over bumps. Not sure what to do. At least it's not falling down on me.
Chris 16409
10-15-2011, 02:35 AM
I've got the brass bushing and my column STILL rattles over bumps. Not sure what to do. At least it's not falling down on me.
I've got that brass bushing in my car as well. My steering wheel moves up and down a bit, but not side to side. I bought one of the reproductions from Houston, but haven't installed it.
DMC5180
10-15-2011, 02:51 AM
I've got the brass bushing and my column STILL rattles over bumps. Not sure what to do. At least it's not falling down on me.
I don't know of any Delorean that doesn't rattle when going over bumps.
Always make sure the "Birdcage" area of the column is not broken. I have seen several that have fatigued and needed to be fixed.
sdg3205
10-15-2011, 02:56 AM
I don't know of any Delorean that doesn't rattle when going over bumps.
From the bushing or EVERYTHING else?! hahahah.
I was marveling at how many things rattled and squeaked while I was driving the other day... and how much I still love that damn car.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.