Hi All, Chasing some advice on how to repair the bracket on my steering column. Am I right in saying that these are designed as a safety feature ( to break in an accident? ) as it looks like there is only small plastic dowels holding it in place? Either way, Its stuffed and the steering column is just flopping about Was thinking to just solid weld it in place, or possibly drill it and use some small self tapping screws to secure it? What do you think? ALSO Looks as if it has pulled through the firewall a bit? Not sure...
Someone in QLD was having problems with column "length", I wonder if it is related to this. http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318790&highlight=steering+column
Being a safety thing I would suggest sorting it with good used parts or new. Unfortunately these seem to be a RHD specific thing so if you want new, Nissan Australia is waiting with lube in hand. EDIT: Items 2 and 3 are available USA, item 3 price is $70US. If you go that path, pasts of the assembly are available, but definitely check complete column price it may be cheaper.
Mine was similiar when i bought it. It has moved out of the fire wall ( the rubber bush has ) and caused the top mounting plate to slide out of position. Just slide the mounting plate ( slotted piece in second photo ) back on then smear some silicone sealant ( neutral cure ) on the grommet that goes in fire wall ( this lets it slide in then let it sit for 24 hours so it goes off ) and push the steering colum towards the fire wall until it slides in then do up the slide plate ( second photo ) into position. Easy as . I did mine when i bought to get the r.w.c 3 years ago and hasn't missed a beat. I'm thinking it's caused by doing a motor swap or steering work and releasing the nuckle on the stearing and they push up on the colum to get the nuckle off ?. Cheers Dave
So after this you had no play in the column? I've tightened the bolts on the mounting plates but the column just slides about in the slots.. Im just not sure if silicone on the boot where it goes through the firewall will stop side to side movement? And as for replacing it, the bracket is welded to the column, so is it correct to say I'd need an entire replacement column? Just seems like alot of work for a small broken piece. But then again it is a zed so I guess i shouldn't be surprised
Yeah i had to knock mine back in too. It was slightly seperated at the firewall slip joint. You wouldnt think it would cause side to side movement but it does.
Thanks guys! Ill give it a try, will I be able to slide the column down by hand, or do I need a rubber mallet to get it into place? Once again, thanks for the help
It will just push back in but smear some silicone sealant around it as it will help it go in then when it sets (24 hours ) it will stop it from popping back out but will allow it to break free in a major collision as it was designed to so as help lower the chest injuries resulting from hitting the wheel. Cheers Dave
Undo the knuckle in the engine bay that connects to the steering rack make it all loose and free . Then push the steering column back in till the rubber meets the firewall . The column bracket should fit snuggly in the lugs . Its not the tension of the nuts that holds the column in place its the alloy lugs that do . No mallet or force needed .
