steering column help

[steve8274]

hi all
i have an adjustable steering column (didnt realise this until i went to fit it)
trying to fit it to car, but it appears that it is too short. about 9 or 10"
has anyone else had this problem and how do you sort it
any help appreciated
thanks
steve

[drury318]

Which bit is too short? the shaft has to be lengthened and the column slides in and out, not sure what you mean? Dennis.

[twinturbo]

sounds like the lower sliding shaft has slid up inside the main hollow section it needs to be pulled out.

TT

[HandyAndy]

As both Dennis & TT have said,
the column does need to be extended, also the triangulated inner shaft can slide inside the outer casing at the steering wheel end, this is also part of the safety aspect to allow it to collapse ( there are cut outs in the inner shaft).

I bought a splined shaft from Rally design & a "group 4" coupling" that attaches to the steering rack,

be careful what size diameter tubing you use for the extension, ( it needs to be thick walled for strength ) but if the outer diameter is too large then it,ll rub against part code "U2",

I,m not with my car at the moment but I think I used 25mm outside diameter tube with a 3mm wall thickness.

I can double check the dimensions for you tomorrow if you wish?

cheers
andy

[steve8274]

hi all
thanks for replies. i have since discovered the triangle bit at end of column does infact extend.
however this has presented another problem. when i have extended the triangle bit down, the only effect this is having is pushing the steering wheel further to the rear and not assisting with length.
the reason for this is, at the end of triangle bit on my column, there is a white plastic bush which goes up triangle bit.
this is hitting the rubber/plastic bearing which is on chassis to keep column in line
thanks
steve

[davrus]

Hi ya

Just incase you havnt sorted it yet, the white plastic triangular bit will slide back in the column (you may need to use a hammer and a punch as it may be tight)