TR4/4A Upper steering column

[TR4eh]

The upper shaft has two pieces, the inner rods slides inside the outer. At least that's what I remember. Mine is stuck all the way in. I've done several cycles of PB Blaster and mild heat, any suggestions how to loosen it up?

Thanks,

Cliff

 

[NutmegCT]

If there's no movement at all, it's likely (1) rusted together, or (2) jammed solid.

Rusted: Dribble vinegar down inside as much as possible (or a 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF).

Jammed: fill interior with crushed ice, let it get cold, then use a heat torch moving up and down near the outside tube. Might free it up.

Just my two cents!
Tom

 

[KVH]

Can't you just clamp the lower, inner shaft, then turn the upper, outer one after oiling both? I wouldn't pound, hammer or anything like that; just gently twist back and forth with one end clamped, like in a vice.

 

[TR4eh]

Solved it. Thanks for the ideas. I put one half of one of the U-joint clamps on one end, then bolted that to a section of 2x4. I hung the shaft, steering wheel end down, filled it with PBBlaster and let it sit all day. Tonight I clamped the 2x4 in the vise, heated the outside shaft, put the steering wheel on and turned. It came right loose. Lots of surface rust to clean up, but all looks great now.

After cleaning it I think I'll use some waterproof grease which hopefully will prevent any re-occurrence.

Cliff