Steering column seizing

[BHM]

Hi,
had an issue for a while with the steering occasionally catching and creaking. Took it into dealers whilst in warrantee and the clock
spring unit behind the wheel was changed....strangely immediately after there was another really big creak then nothing till Tuesday night.

Anyway long story short, I stripped down components including the steering lock and non-removable top bearing, which then required me to
replace the column: (was 6 months out of warrantee anyway).

20171129_170848.jpg

anyway found the problem, there is a bottom open race bearing just above the UJ's, I reckon that a wet footwell from snow or rain on boots
accelerates the bearing corrosion, leading to tight operation, I was also experiencing a bit of wandering like Loot .

Still this bearing can be lubricated in-situe with spray grease and straw, here's a pic of said bearing:

20171129_170908.jpg

Make it part of your maintenance prog and save £480 at DIY rates.

BHM

[moley551]

I've had a creaking sound that comes and goes, it sounds like the plastic cowel rubbing, and also since a ball joint was replaced for a service/mot it's got a vague feeling to the steering....thanks for the heads up you may have saved me some time and beer chits.

[BHM]

I've had a creaking sound that comes and goes, it sounds like the plastic cowel rubbing, and also since a ball joint was replaced for a service/mot it's got a vague feeling to the steering....thanks for the heads up you may have saved me some time and beer chits.

Yup I also thought it was the cowl rubbing, I was convinced....hence my stripping from top down. Try a damp white cloth on the floor just under the top UJ. It may show the rust dust on the mat, its very fine

BHM