Thread: Universal steering joint

It sounds as if the universal joint was loose enough to jump a tooth, which is rather scary.

Simplest thing is to get the wheels straight and remove the steering wheel and put it back on straight, but I would have a good look at the fit of the splines on the U-joint and replace it if there is any doubt. This is not something you want to be doubtful about.

John

I have underdone the universal joint - when the bolt is tightened it does not skip. I attempted to recentre the steering last night - made sure the wheels were straight and had a friend hold the steering (which was left hand down) while I undid the universal joint. Once disconnected I recentred the steering without the tyres moving position. Then tightened the joint back up.

Did this 3 times and each time it was back to the same position when I drove - left hand down and not centred) despite the universal joint looking to be in a different position.

I am not sure really where to go from here! any advice appreciated

Perhaps a wheel alignment is all it needs?

You could undo the steering wheel and move it around on the spline.

Yes I could probably just move the steering. However took it for a wheel alignment at a chain wheel and tyre place and they were unable to do an alignment - they said the adjusters had seized and that they needed an oxy to undo it and therefore it was beyond their ability.