Re: [DML] Steering Bushing

[Soma576@xxxx]

In a message dated 5/9/02 9:03:26 PM Central Daylight Time, cpgny9@xxxx 
writes:


> Has anyone installed the steering bushing themselves? I am ordering 
> some parts and thought that this was something that I could do on my 
> own. I plan on getting an allignment once I get the bushing 
> replaced. Any comments or experiences with this job would be 
> appreciated
> 
> Thanks,
> Chris
> 20006
> 

Chris,

by far the most difficult part is seperating the U-joints on the intermediate 
shaft from the column. you better start pouring liquid wrench on them NOW 
while you are waiting for parts because they can be a beast. loosen up the 
pinch bolts while you are at it so you don't waste all day doing them another 
time. think smart and get yourself ready for the job. this can be a tricky 
one. before you seperate the U-joints, try to mark them somehow, preferably 
by scoring them with a razor or screwdriver so you can line the splines up 
again when you are done. that way you won't need an alignment when you are 
done! Two people will probably be needed, one to pull the shaft and another 
to hold the joint, or else you will pull the shaft from the steering rack or 
worse. i would seriously give some thought to replacing the whole steering 
intermediate shaft while you are in there. now is the time! get one from 
specialtyauto.com and get both U-joints and a racecar quality shaft. the 
lower U-joint will typically go out first because of the water and dirt that 
is splashed up from the wheels. if nothing else, lubricate them with some 
80w90 gear oil really well. if you accidently seperate the collapsable 
steering column, you should be able to put it together correctly again by 
taking note of where the grease marks are at on it. if the problem occurs, 
you will see what i mean. it is important to keep the two tubes the same 
distance inside each other, otherwise when you mount the column again, the 
shaft may not go on or will be angled funny. here's a tip for the bushing 
installation. get a long pipe that will stick out farther than the dashboard 
when it is against the firewall. you will want to put the bushing in, put 
the pipe against the bushing, and hammer the bushing in by hitting the pipe 
out in the open where you can get a couple of good swings. this will make 
the bushing go into the metal plate easier. other than that, the project just 
takes all day because of how much stuff you had to disassemble!!!!

i did this a couple months ago, email me if you have any other questions.
Andy

Soma576@xxxx
1982 DeLorean DMC-12 VIN#11596
Fargo, ND 58102


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