I have play in bottom uj off my steering rack, its next to nought but have a new column ready. I know i can just change bottom half etc, but any guides or instructions, just to keep my time down would be appreciated.

Can i change the uj's and bottom half without detaching all top assembly?

Thanks Carl

soooooooooo, anyone know? if its a massive job ill not bother, and just call it a feature

Is quite easy to replace....you'll need a secure torx to remove the ignition key assembley to the old collumn and transfer to the new one.

I've done mine 3 years ago....I paid a very ridiculous 20 pounds for one from scrap...Is still in perfect condition no play at all.

Grab your spanner and do it!

LE:I replaced the entire column....I couldn't find only the bottom part.

Edited 28 October, 201213 yr by IulianE

excellent ill have a go, as im getting this one for free. How long do you recon to change it? If its under an hour ill have time to do it.

Thanks Iulian

It took me some time...but is irrelevant,I was with my friend and had some drink

And...one more thing,an M12 is needed to remove the steering wheel

aye thats cool, ive changed the steering wheel on mine a few times.

One quick question, is it possible to chage just the lower part? as its only the very bottom knuckle that has a little play

yes...of couse,I couldn't find it...You'll need a smart press to remove the lower part ,that U joint.

great cheers, i dont have a smart press so ill just change the whole thing.

Thanks for your help mate

is the best option if you have the entire column...depressing that type of joint is tricky,you must use some heat and a smart press.

You have to remove the entire column anyway.

No thanks are needed!

Steering wheel bolt has to be renewed after its fourth use.

Well you shall have the thanks anyway! Theres not many things I am unaware of on this car, as i have rebuilt it almost 100%, except for one drive shaft, and steering column, so when I post a question its usually for a wierd thing, or something no one else has bothered with and therefore dont know.

So Thanks, next time i swing by bucharest ill buy you a beer

Steering wheel bolt has to be renewed after its fourth use.

I didnt know that, i shall have to get one after this removal, as i had it open 3 times.

It's only an advisory in our workshop manuals, can't see it being an issue.

You are supposed to mark it with a dot punch when you take it off.

ive probably reused hundreds of bolts i shouldnt have. only ones i replaced were the stretch bolts on my flywheel, when i switched to solid. Done 10 oil changes to one plug too, so should change that - although i only tighten it to point it doesnt leak

When you are looking at a replacement column, make sure it has the roller bracket still attached or you will need to fit the old roller bracket on the new column, replacing the special shear bolt (and possibly having to drill out the old one).

IIRC, you should also replace the clamp bolt for the u-joint.

im beginning to think this play aint that bad haha. its soooooo slight, but the car is almost bang on now so would like to crack on and get it top notch