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steering column question

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Bill Redd

Bill Redd

Jedi Hopeful
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The other day, I was pulling into one of those shopping center parking spots with the diamond-shaped planter boxes in the middle of the parking lot. I had the steering wheel turned all the way to the right to get into the spot. Then, bumping into that planter box pushed the wheels a bit further to the right.

Now I have a bit of lateral movement in the steering wheel. In other words, with both hands firmly on the wheel (and not steering left or right), I can move the wheel laterally about a quarter inch left, right, up, down... (fortunately, does not move at all in and out).

Seems like a bushing or something in the column is now messed up.

This just happened yesterday, so I have not had a chance to look at it yet. Any thoughts on what it is before I get into it?
 
I'd think it's the bushings and not anything caused by the parking situation. Tie rod or steering problems wouldn't allow the steering wheel to rock a 1/4 inch. Those bushings are fun to replace, sort of anyway. The payoff is huge. Nice tight feel in the wheel which can be refreshing for an old TR.

Careful pulling out the bullet connectors, and be sure to mark everything if you go that route one day.

Good luck.
 
One other thing I should point out...

Now, if I turning the wheel sharp left or right, the horn sounds! Therefore, something in the column is making ground....

Geez... and other times the horn won't even work!
 
Casey:

No, the "play" appears to be within the steering column cowl itself. I took a quick look at the Moss catalog, and it appears that there are bearings in there, with the actual steering column passing through that.

I'll have to delve into that this evening.
 
Sorry Bill ...misread your post. There are two bushings in the column,top and bottom bit of a pain to install,but well worth it when done.
 
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