steering slop

[Ramblin MAn]

Hi everybody, Finally getting around to putting on the new front suspension components this weekend. Did the rears on Monday and wow what a difference.

Anyway, did a last minute check to make sure I hadn't missed anything and found that if I grab onto the steering nuckle joint right where it attatches to the rack, I can wiggle it and get slop up inside the column. Anyone address this before or have some how-to's or diagrams handy? I looked at the M42 on line manual and those pictures are not clear enough and real-oem is equally vague.

[doitover]

I don't have a link handy but there is a nut on the steering column inside the passenger compartment. It is accessible by removing the panel under the dash. If that is loose you will hear clunking when you go over bumps and the steering will be loose like the front end is worn out.

I had to get a big open end wrench to tighten mine. I originally did it with a crescent wrench but it worked loose again in a few weeks.

The nut is in the steering column diagram on http://www.realoem.com

[Rich Dixon 91is]

I did the same thing. I had steering slop in my steering wheel for a few degrees on either side of center. There was a noticeable tap when the wheel turn would finally engage the rack, telling me something was loose. When I reached under the hood and played with the coupler, it had a lot of play in it. Seeing a rubber part on it, I assumed that was my worn part and spent $180 on it at the dealership. I was doing a steering rack anyway, but when I got the old one off, it was as solid as the new one, no wear whatsoever. Finally I found the big brass nut wasn't tightened, but it was very stiff which had fooled me before. I tightened the big brass nut and poof, no more play in the wheel. Don't feel dumb unless you also spend $180 on a new coupler.

p.s. Wanna buy a coupler?

[Ramblin MAn]

So I got in there yesterday after finishing my suspension refresh. I can tighten it up a little, but I can't really get rid of the slop. The new parts have mostly gotten rid of my problem, but it's going to bother me until I get it finished.

Are there "chucks" like in a drill insid the nut that grab the spline? It feeles like something inside has deteriorated and is coming out the pointy side of the nut.

[DesktopDave]

I tightened my big clamping nut up too, but it's still a bit loose and I have a clicking.  I think it might be the lower bearing inside the column.  If I ever find out for sure I'll post my discoveries.  I have a few spares to swap now, but none are the airbag column.  I'm not sure is there is a difference.  Anyone?

[monko141]

This is how I fixed my steering clunk.  Two pairs of vice grips and a small bar clamp.  Loosen the big nut, clamp the two vice grips on, one above and one below and put the bar clamp on the two vice grips.  You don't need that much pressure on the bar clamp.  Just enough to put some pressure on the steering knuckle guibo.  Tighten big nut.

[DD318is]

Hi all,

I'm a new member, and this is my first post.  I went to tighten the nut referenced above, and found it to be hard to turn, but was able to turn about 2 revs.  I stopped, wondering how tight is tight.  I also notice that there is a lot of slop in the U joints.  Has anyone replaced these?  How much slop is too much?  Rubber disc seems to be ok, though.

Thanks,

Dave

[dvmotorsports]

I was going to mention the rubber disc. But you said it seems okay. How closely have you inspected it?

As for the joints, I will be replacing them on my buddies car in the next couple of days. I'll let you know how it goes.

[DD318is]

Thanks dvmotorsports.  I'd be interested to know how your buddy determined that the joints needed replacing.  My inspection of the rubber disc was from the open hood, looking down with a flash light.  All I could see was that it did not appear to be torn or degraded.  Are those rivets or bolts holding the joint together?  If bolts, I suppose they could just be tightened.

[dvmotorsports]

His bushing is broken down. He went with the Zionsville rack and linkage kit. I have yet to put it in though. Too many other things going with his car right now.

[Ramblin MAn]

This is how I fixed my steering clunk.  Two pairs of vice grips and a small bar clamp.  Loosen the big nut, clamp the two vice grips on, one above and one below and put the bar clamp on the two vice grips.  You don't need that much pressure on the bar clamp.  Just enough to put some pressure on the steering knuckle guibo.  Tighten big nut.

Ahh so it's kind of like the driveshaft bearing support and the needs to be in tension.

I will give that a try

[max123]

I was looking under the dash to see if I could tighten the nut described above.  The only thing I found was a 13mm nut on what appeared to be a collar located right up against the firewall.  Is this the right one, I couldn't see any others - especially nothing large enough to require a really large wrench.  Any diagram or part # reference would help.

Cheers,

[doitover]

You may need to remove the panel under the dash. You can't miss the nut. Follow the steering rod back from the firewall. It is the first big nut you see.

I was looking under the dash to see if I could tighten the nut described above.  The only thing I found was a 13mm nut on what appeared to be a collar located right up against the firewall.  Is this the right one, I couldn't see any others - especially nothing large enough to require a really large wrench.  Any diagram or part # reference would help.

Cheers,