Steering U-Joint Play?

[Patrick C]

Is this an acceptable amount of play in the steering column u-joint? I figure this is probably a better place to ask than in my steering wheel shake thread. Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JnyOVJEnwc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[David T]

That's not a lot of play but every little bit adds up. More importantly is how much looseness there is at the steering wheel. You should not have very much (if any) lost motion there. Spray the joints and the column bushing with WD-40. Lubricate the ball joints and the tie rod ends. Check that the bolts on the U-Joints are tight.
David Teitelbaum




Is this an acceptable amount of play in the steering column u-joint? I figure this is probably a better place to ask than in my steering wheel shake thread. Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JnyOVJEnwc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Jeff K]

That's not a lot of play but every little bit adds up. More importantly is how much looseness there is at the steering wheel. You should not have very much (if any) lost motion there. Spray the joints and the column bushing with WD-40. Lubricate the ball joints and the tie rod ends. Check that the bolts on the U-Joints are tight.
David Teitelbaum

Interesting and a bit off this exact topic .. but close.

I replace my u joints with Martins UK set. I have a new DMC steering rack.

I have play in the steering wheel. Maybe that's acceptable before the pinions teeth engage the rack, I'm not sure. The rack does not move, it's mounted solidly.

Hmm ?
Jeff

[stevedmc]

My lower U joint makes a rattling noise. My plan is to replace the lower steering column (or whatever it is called) with a Spec .02 unit.

You should also make sure your steering column bushing is intact and also need to inspect your steering rack. I've yet to get under my car and check the steering rack for rattles. Right now I'm just concerned about what I know is wrong. I suspect I will be rebuilding my steering rack in the near future anyway since the boots are leaking. Martin sells a kit for this and it is relatively cheap.

[Patrick C]

My plan is to replace the lower steering column (or whatever it is called) with a Spec .02 unit.

What is a spec .02 unit? The stainless one Toby sells?

[stevedmc]

What is a spec .02 unit? The stainless one Toby sells?

Spec .02 comes from the same distrubutor Toby uses but costs a lot less money. Spec .02 steering uses the same U joint at the firewall end but uses a vibration reducing U joint on the steering rack end. This results in unecessary vibrations being reduced.

The Spec .02 lower column, with vibration reduction, cost $274 (without vibration reduction it would cost $233).

An owner can get a regular U joint instead if he or she does not want vibration reduction, save $41 in the process, and still have what are among the highest quality steering components available.

[stevedmc]

And here are some pictures of the Spec .02 steering components.

Far better and cheaper than what the DMCH chain is selling.

[stevedmc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JnyOVJEnwc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I almost forgot, I made a video of this a few weeks back myself. Mine is doing the same thing, hence my decision to eventually upgrade to Spec .02 steering.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mWuJbOCfs0

[Patrick C]

And here are some pictures of the Spec .02 steering components.

Far better and cheaper than what the DMCH chain is selling.

Sweet! Where does one purchase it?

[stevedmc]

Send me a pm and I'll let you know who to contact for more details.