Looking into my steering column due to the chap who MOT's it reckons it's got to much play in the steering wheel going to change the little white washer that sits between the wheel due to it being worn. I then noticed this...



Should there be any bushing inserts of some kind that slides over the threaded bar? Because all I found was a big washer and nut holding it together? Anyone know the answer to this? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Can you still get hold of these bearings?

 

Looks fine, there should just be a washer and nut as far as I'm aware.

You'll probably find it's the lower column bushes that are knackered, they're the ones that cause play. There's usually bush kits on eBay.

Lee

 

As above but yer you can still get the upper bearings too

 

The top pic is correct mate, not sure on the other though.

 

Can't remember if mine looked like your pic or not, as it was a decade ago, but my mk4 3i failed MoT on the steering column. Had to change the lower part of it, which if memory serves is a black tube with two lugs/ears on it to bolt up. Complete bastard to get to and take out, and I think I had to get a sheer bolt from Ford for the top part.

 

The sheer bolt is for the lock. Not needed for the column bushes. There's two nuts facing you, two underneath then the outer column will come away from the shaft. Can't remember if I took the dab out or not though.

Lee

 

Ah that's right. I remember changing that lock housing part for some reason, but can't remember why?

 

Thanks for the input lads, the play is coming from the top bearing am sure, the inner bearing shell has a lot of movement, wobbles about! Ordered a new one off ebay pluss the white collar that sits between the steering wheel and bearing. We will see I guess once fitted.

 

Can you let me know where you got the bearing and white bush as I need them as well. Cheers

 

Looks like there is a small part missing.

Also there are uprated support bars available if you search some other forums that will sort out the play you have and any other mk3/4. It's a custom bar/s that bolt to bulkhead and a piller.


If you ask someone else might put a link up as i can't.

 

Does anyone know where I can get the upper steering column bearing as I need one urgently. Thanks

 

ford still sell them

 

I have the parts just not got round to fitting them. Does anyone have any info/pictures on these supporting bars jano has mentioned? Cheers jano.

 

According to the diagram, it's right:



Edit: The parts I normally change are 7, 8 and 5.

Lee

 

Thanks all. I managed to order part at Ford today and only Ł7 for a new one.

 

As Lee said.

I changed all 3 of them last month. You need to make sure the bottom bush is lined up with the right hand side notch.

Them nuts are a pain in the arse as they clip in and dont have a nut behind. They only require a washer as stated

 

The bar Jano talks about was fitted as standard to Cabriolet models too IIRC.

 

Is that the bar you can see in this pic coming from the right hand side?



Lee

 

It is yes.

 

There are actually 2 bars behind the dash for support. The other bar you won't have pictures of. Between the 2 it will greatly help the steering.