MNlotus Posted March 7, 2014 Share Posted March 7, 2014 I'm trying to install my new quick release steering column and i got it almost out but it seems to be catching on something. It only comes out as far as the pictures show. When i try pulling it out you can here it hitting on something. Am i missing something? Do i need to loosen the two bolts under the dash? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted March 7, 2014 Share Posted March 7, 2014 If your car still has the under dash ignition switch/lock there is a lug on the shaft that will not pass through the bushing. The upper bushing will have to come out with the shaft. Use the slack and steering wheel as a slide hammer and the lug will bring the bushing with it. IIRC you also have to unbolt the switch/lock assembly from its mounts. I took that opportunity to move the ignition switch to the dashboard using a Chevrolet pickup ignition switch from the 70s. I was able to source a new one through NAPA. I got tired of fumbling under the dash to find the keyhole and having the fob and house key brushing my knee when moving from brake to throttle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNlotus Posted March 7, 2014 Author Share Posted March 7, 2014 (edited) I removed the ignition where you put the key in and tried again and it still is stuck. can you explain this bushing a little more and where exactly it is? The sound of where its getting caught is coming from the third picture where I unbolted it from the shaft Edited March 7, 2014 by MNlotus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNlotus Posted March 7, 2014 Author Share Posted March 7, 2014 (edited) nevermind, I put the steering wheel back on and used it like a slide hammer and beat the hell out of it until it came off. Thanks for the help scannon! Now am I going to have to reuse that plastic bushing when I put the new new column on? And do i need a new one or can i reuse the old one? Also I test fitted the new column and it isn't straight with the holes for the steering wheel, is there a way I can adjust that? Edited March 7, 2014 by MNlotus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted March 7, 2014 Share Posted March 7, 2014 nevermind, I put the steering wheel back on and used it like a slide hammer and beat the hell out of it until it came off. Thanks for the help scannon! Now am I going to have to reuse that plastic bushing when I put the new new column on? Also I test fitted the new column and it isn't straight with the holes for the steering wheel, is there a way I can adjust that? The bushings are available from Caterham and only a few dollars each. If you can't get one without waiting for delivery from across the pond I believe I have one or two on the shelf you can have. Not sure what you are getting at on the test fit. If you need to rotate the shaft to line up the steering wheel you can disconnect the U joint at the steering rack and move it a spline or two. Otherwise you can move it by adjusting the tie rod ends equally to move the shaft a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNlotus Posted March 7, 2014 Author Share Posted March 7, 2014 The bushings are available from Caterham and only a few dollars each. If you can't get one without waiting for delivery from across the pond I believe I have one or two on the shelf you can have. Not sure what you are getting at on the test fit. If you need to rotate the shaft to line up the steering wheel you can disconnect the U joint at the steering rack and move it a spline or two. Otherwise you can move it by adjusting the tie rod ends equally to move the shaft a bit. Thanks, thats what i figured is that i would have to adjust it at the steering rack to align the steering wheel so its straight. Also yeah it would be great if i could get one of those bushings that you have on the shelf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 I found a bushing in the shop, EM or PM me your shipping address and I will get it on the way tomorrow. Let me know if you need overnight, 2nd day or regular priority mail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 I am hearing an annoying squeak when I turn the steering wheel. I've assumed that it is the bushing. Is there any way to lubricate it? I have to take the wheel off anyway to repaint the hub. Perhaps that would provide better access to the bushing. There is a contact ring between the dash and the hub for the horn button contact, but I don't see any way it comes off. Appreciate your insights. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 I am hearing an annoying squeak when I turn the steering wheel. I've assumed that it is the bushing. Is there any way to lubricate it? I have to take the wheel off anyway to repaint the hub. Perhaps that would provide better access to the bushing. There is a contact ring between the dash and the hub for the horn button contact, but I don't see any way it comes off. Appreciate your insights. Tony Tony, While my car is a Stalker, I do have delrin bushings in my steering column. I lubricate mine with liquid graphite. Works great: http://www.agscompany.com/lubricants/homehardware/179 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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