Thread: Steering column disconnect point for body lift?

Originally Posted by Graeme

I wasn't expecting to find the shaft floating about in the grommet. However if the female section of the collapsible shaft has been stretched/opened-up then that would probably explain the movement. How much play does it need before it allows rotation?

The wheels were balanced along with the wheel alignment but they shake considerably, making it difficult to steer smoothly around bends at speed. I was going to get then rebalanced locally but perhaps the steering vagueness is partly due to the looseness in the steering column. Overall, I think I will have to take the vehicle back.

Edit: Service dept wont advise over the phone. As there's only 5-10mm steering wheel rotational movement its unlikely there's any danger of a male shaft turning inside the female section, but it can be monitored regularly until its fixed.

Thanks JC.

Graeme, the shaft can't rotate in the sleeve it is quite a snug fit, and is keyed to only fit in one position. Hopefully they can get it sorted ASAP.

JC

Originally Posted by justinc

the shaft can't rotate in the sleeve it is quite a snug fit

Used to be a snug fit... I expect a new collapsible shaft assembly is required - rather like my pto shafts that are reasonably good fit when new but get sloppy with use. I hope in due course I can get them to have the part on hand and do the swap whilst I wait. I suspect its only a half-hour job as long as the shaft can be readily withdrawn from the rack end and probably with the uni joint still attached.

Today I finally got to check the tightness of the bolt above the collapsible section after having read about someone else's front end rattles being due to a loose steering column bolt and found the bolt not fully tight. The rattle is no more. Its a pity I didn't investigate further earlier as the constant column rattle made the car feel like an old bomb.

However whilst searching for the source I discovered that either the right inner tie-rod end or the rack's inner bush is very loose, so probably a new rack will be needed. I can't really hear any noise from inside the cabin yet the looseness is more than enough to cause improper tyre wear. I can't understand why the looseness wasn't discovered at least during the wheel alignment that was done after the lower wishbone bushes were replaced. I wonder how many other of these vehicles have an undetected worn rack or joint.

Good news about the bolt being the only issue, but should've been tight

The rack; did you rock the steering with the engine off? It'll sound pretty horrific but isn't too bad, however a rack knock with the pump running....or vertical play in the inner rack end, well

These things seem to be a little light duty in a few areas, I have heard of many with rack replacements, I have one with a leaking rack, and there are numerous other issues such as control arm bushes etc that fail even with moderate offroad use. I have 1 D3 where all the wheel bearings, several control arm bushes and 1 CV have been replaced already

JC

The bolt went a good half a turn, not loose by any means but wasn't clamping the top shaft. I re-read one of your earlier posts and realised I should have tried tightening the bolt at that time - hindsight is great sometimes!

The steering wheel was slowly rocked after having tightened the column bolt and without the engine running. There is a distinct clunk only at the driver's end of the rack. Pulling the tie rod down hard or pushing it up hard stops most of the clunk but doesn't particularly reduce the notchy movement felt, especially when turned to the left. There is no looseness at the tie rod end ball joint and there is no equivalent noise or movement at the passenger end of the rack.

The vehicle is having a sensor problem that triggers restricted performance officially diagnosed tomorrow (LR wont rely on my Faultmate) so I'll see if there's time to diagnose the steering rack noise too.