Found this in the U-joint that connects my steering rack. Is it normal?

[nullset]

Is the screw that goes through the U-joint supposed to be cut like this?

I replaced it with a normal screw from my project car. Does this look like it was done intentionally, or did it wear out?
photo-7.jpgphoto-6.jpg

I also wonder if this is what was causing the problem with my steering, instead of the rack being bad. Is there a way to bench test a steering rack?

--buddy

[sean]

Its flat like that so it the threads don't rub against the steering shaft, I suppose. There is a flat surface on the spindle end of the steering shaft that fits into the joint and that flat surface of the bolt rests against it.

[Chris4099]

That shaft that enters the join is notched. So if you insert it to the right depth, there's no need to notch the bolt. The PO must not have fully inserted the shaft and thought that notching the bolt was required. Replacing the bolt and properly installing the column is the right way to do it and gives you the strongest connection (since you have a solid clamp on the splines now).

[outatym2001]

As hmm252000 described the bolt does not need to be notched. The splined ends of the steering rod is already notched to allow for a solid bolt to go through.

I have attached a picture I took of when I installed a brand spanking new steering rack in my DeLorean that I bought from DMC Northwest.

[DSNW Toby]

Is the screw that goes through the U-joint supposed to be cut like this?

Ah yes ... the major issues with many (most?) DeLoreans are the crimes perpetrated on them by the dreaded "previous owner". The responses in this thread are correct.

[protodelorean]

I'd go a step further and say the bolt MUST NOT be notched. The whole point of the notch in the shaft is so that the bolt engages the notch and the two can't separate without the bolt being COMPLETELY removed. (Safety feature) By notching the bolt, there is the possibility that if the bolt became only slightly loose, that the two could separate. (Maybe a very unlikely scenario, but can you imagine the feeling of doing 65 down the road when that steering wheel in your hand is no longer connected to the steering rack?) As was mentioned, this is a previous owner modification the should be reversed.

[DniveK]

As hmm252000 described the bolt does not need to be notched. The splined ends of the steering rod is already notched to allow for a solid bolt to go through.

I have attached a picture I took of when I installed a brand spanking new steering rack in my DeLorean that I bought from DMC Northwest.

Exellent picture, this is by far one of the best thread responses I've seen in a long time. Thank you for the clearity.

[Ron]

I'd go a step further and say the bolt MUST NOT be notched...

+1

...nor threaded all the way as in the 1st pic (it should have a shoulder as in Mark's pic, and not be soft)

[David T]

Actually I would say this whole situation is MUCH worse then you think. If that bolt was replaced with a "wrong" one, you have to consider that that was not the only improper substitution. All of the hardware is now suspect and the safest course of action is to inspect and retorque ALL of the critical fasteners in the suspension and the steering systems. Hopefully it is limited to just the one you found, maybe the proper fastener got lost and someone cobbled things back together. As Toby mentioned, the majority of necessary work on the Delorean (and most older cars in general) is to undo previous work done incorrectly. BTW, cutting that bolt (or grinding it) weakened it and although there isn't all that much stress on it, complete loss of steering control will ruin your day.
David Teitelbaum

[nullset]

Actually I would say this whole situation is MUCH worse then you think. If that bolt was replaced with a "wrong" one, you have to consider that that was not the only improper substitution. All of the hardware is now suspect and the safest course of action is to inspect and retorque ALL of the critical fasteners in the suspension and the steering systems. Hopefully it is limited to just the one you found, maybe the proper fastener got lost and someone cobbled things back together. As Toby mentioned, the majority of necessary work on the Delorean (and most older cars in general) is to undo previous work done incorrectly. BTW, cutting that bolt (or grinding it) weakened it and although there isn't all that much stress on it, complete loss of steering control will ruin your day.
David Teitelbaum

Don't worry, that bolt has been kept as a souvenir only. I removed the bolts from the U-joint of my project car and will be purchasing replacements shortly.

I also replaced the front springs while I was in there, so all of the front suspension bolts have been retorqued properly

I didn't buy a full set of 3 torque wrenches for nothing!

--buddy