| LOWER STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
Description
The lower steering column assembly consists of a. solid shaft with a universal joint at each end; it connects the upper steering column to the steering unit.
The yokes are attached and located to their respective units by pinch bolts and grooves across the male splines. The groove across the splines of the solid shaft is of such a width that it permits some up and downward variation in the position of the top universal joint.
To remove and refit (Fig. 3)
1. Withdraw the two pinch bolts from the top and bottom universal joint yokes of the lower steering column assembly by removing the nuts and washers.
2. Withdraw the upper steering column assembly com-plete into the car a short distance after slackening off~ the bolts In the two brackets, one inside the engine compartment and one under the Instrument facia; the bolts of the latter bracket can then be retightened to hold the upper steering column steady.
3. Remove the lower steering column from the pinion of the steering unit or the bottom end of the upper steering column.
4. Refitting is the reverse of the removal sequence but particular attention must be given to the following: —
(i) The steering wheel and front wheels must be positioned in .the straight ahead position.
(ii) The top universal joint yoke is fitted to the bottom end of the upper steering column so the pinch bolt hole aligns with the groove on the inner column spilnes.
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(iii) The bottom universal joint yoke is fitted to the pinion of the steering unit.
(iv) The packing under the steering column bracket inside the engine compartment is not omitted.
To dismantle, and reassemble (Fig. 3)
1. Remove the upper universal joint assembly from the short shaft by withdrawing the pinch bolt and nut.
2. Remove the circiips from the bearing yokes using circlip pliers, tap the bearing caps into the yokes to relieve the pressure on the circlips.
3. Withdraw the bearing caps from the bearing yoke by tapping the yoke with a mallet ; when the bearing cap has emerged from the bearing yoke, invert the yoke and remove the bearing cap with the fingers in a downward direction.
4. Repeat the two previous operations with the second yoke and second universal bearing as necessary.
5. Reassembly is the reverse of the dismantling sequence but particular attention must be given to the following:
(i) Ensure the seals on the spider Journals are in good condition and the steel washers are not omitted.
(ii) The needle rollers are packed into the bearing caps with Shell Retinax grease.
(iii) Ensure that the clrclips locate correctly in their grooves.
(iv) When any binding in the movement of the yokes is experienced, tap the flange adjacent to the bearing caps with a hide mallet.
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