Steering wheel play,can i...................

[Dave190]

Ok,heres my first question/problem,probably a daft one!!
I've got about an inch of play (in/out) in the steering wheel,iv checked the UJ coupling/joint,seems fine.
I 'think' it needs the steering column thrust bearing replacing.Iv not had much luck in sourcing where to get one though!
Couple of people have told me to just replace whole column(others the whole van ),surely if it is the bearing then i could just replace that??

its a 1999 mk5 2.5d.
i posted in this section rather than mk5 as thought it may apply to others too??
Any help be great.

[rover]

The column bearing wont stop in and out play, the only way you can get that sort of play is if either the uj or the rack is knackered

[dumper]

or the ball joints

[captain hook]

The column bearing wont stop in and out play, the only way you can get that sort of play is if either the uj or the rack is knackered

or the ball joints

If you read the post it says "in and out" NOT left and Right.

The problem will be in the column...

[MrMPuk]

The column bearing wont stop in and out play, the only way you can get that sort of play is if either the uj or the rack is knackered

or the ball joints

If you read the post it says "in and out" NOT left and Right.

The problem will be in the column...

Correct me if we're wrong but aren't the column bushes there to stop left and right play not in and out?

[rover]

Colum bushes are to stop the steering cloum inner rattling around in the outer, nothing more nothing less! It is of course an MOT failure if they are loose/worn, but most testers dont even test for it any more as its so uncommon.

You wont stop in and out play by replacing the bushes

Its not a common fault on Transits of any age, but I have done litteraly hundreds on other older vehicles like Mini's, Reliants, Opels etc.

[AndyG]

Probably needs the steering wheel nut tightening

[darkbluevanman]

didn't some colubms have a inner piece that collapsed (or slid down) in the even to of an accident??

[AndyG]

If there is a fault with the column, I can't see it being a major job to swap out anyway
There's no difference between all the smiley Transits and so should easily be able to pick one up from somebody that's breaking one

Replace the whole van

Vans got dirty, time for a new one

[Dave190]

Thanks for all the replies.....................

Probably needs the steering wheel nut tightening

Nope,its tight.

is if either the uj or the rack is knackered

Theres no play in UJ for sure,and rack is ok (i think/hope) as the play (in/out)is definatly top side UJ.

Im going to collect a used column from a local breakers some time this week,fingers crossed that will sort it!!