[DML] Re: Steering Column Bushing - tricks?

["Dave Swingle" <swingle@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

It's not that bad just to remove stuff. Just a lot of standing on your 
head. I think the idea about splitting the bushing is not an optimimum 
shotcut for the long haul, and I'm not sure what all it saves you. 
--mark and disconnect the steering u-joints via the two access panels 
in the trunk (on a rusty car this is the worst part). You have to 
completely remove the screws to get it to separate from the steering 
column and the rack (optional). You will need to spread the slip joint 
slightly to get it to collapse. Some PB-blaster is helpful here too. 
--remove kneepads
--remove a/c tube that goes across the bottom of the column
--unplug three cables
--remove two tiny nuts and two large nuts/bolts holding the columm in 
place.
--bend the two metal clips that held the kneepads up to get them out of 
the way. Don't worry, they bend back just fine
--drop and pull out the column
--replace the bushing. The old one will either fall out or be missing. 
Either pull the new one in (with a home made puller) or drive it in 
with a big hammer and a socket
--take a rat-tail file and enlarge the hole in the bushing slightly in 
the downward direction from the inside of the car
--pull the lower steering shaft out of the column
--insert the lower shaft thru the bushing. Make sure the same side is 
still up or your matchmarks on the universal joints will be 180 degrees 
off
--put the column back in the car, connecting it to the lower shaft on 
the way in. Swing it up into place and re-attach with the two large 
nuts/bolts first.
--reverse everything else. 

If you don't get screwed up this can be done in an hour or two. I've 
had it take a lot longer. I usually take the opportunity to clean and 
re-paint and anti-sieze the lower steering column (i.e.u-joint 
assembly). 

Dave Swingle

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "gzapf" <x86Daddy@xxxx> wrote:
> I plan to replace my steering column bushing soon.  From what I've
> seen with some searching and my reading of the Shop Manual, this looks
> like an arduous task.  Has anyone figured out a trick or two to make
> this job quicker / easier / require less removal of stuff?
> 
> Thanks,
> --Greg
> #2894






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