Hi, I managed to break the small plastic pins that appear to go through the inner steel steering column shaft while I had the column out for a reco. The outer column is fine its just the inner shaft that is design to collapse and shorten in an accident that I've affected.
Is it ok to use the inner shaft without the plastic pins in it as I can slide the shaft back to its correct length or is this too risky?
Otherwise can the pins be replaced somehow? A wrecker said he heard of people using knitting needles to replace the pins?!?? Sounds a but dodgy to me?
Anyone know if the rubber seal that goes around the column and seals it in the firewall can be bought new?
Any advice or thoughts appreciated.
Thanks
LX Steering Column Inner Shaft Collapsed
Started by
_redrana_
, Mar 11 2006 08:26 PM
14 replies to this topic
#2
rodomo
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Posted 11 March 2006 - 09:31 PM
I believe the original pins were nylon. I don't know what a knitting needle is so my missus showed me one. I reckon knitting needle plastic would be harder to shear than nylon so therefore unsuitable.
RACV MAN
RACV MAN
#3
_CHOPPER_
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Posted 11 March 2006 - 09:56 PM
If they are unavailable new, it wouldn't be hard to get some made.
#4
_Yella SLuR_
_Yella SLuR_
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Posted 12 March 2006 - 12:06 AM
There's two things that I don't mess with, other than routine maintenance items, those are "things that affect where the car is going, and things that make the car stop". Take it to a steering specialist.
The consequences of getting it wrong are too great.
The consequences of getting it wrong are too great.
Edited by Yella SLuR, 12 March 2006 - 12:06 AM.
#5
_Yella SLuR_
_Yella SLuR_
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Posted 12 March 2006 - 12:09 AM
Just out of interest, wouldn't happen to be the result of removing the steering wheel by any chance, or trying to remove cotter pins with the column unsupported? Would be interested to know how it happened, just for information, not to bag you out.
<Yella introduces politically correct GMH Torana Forums ---> New concept OK>
<Yella introduces politically correct GMH Torana Forums ---> New concept OK>
#6
_redrana_
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Posted 12 March 2006 - 06:58 AM
Hah no problem - I was trying to remove the lower bearing and gave the column a tap with a mallet then realised the risk of affecting the pins - sure enough they had sheared. Out of interest it didn't take much pressure.Just out of interest, wouldn't happen to be the result of removing the steering wheel by any chance, or trying to remove cotter pins with the column unsupported? Would be interested to know how it happened, just for information, not to bag you out.
<Yella introduces politically correct GMH Torana Forums ---> New concept OK>
I've had a look at some other second hand columns and they had a similar problem with the inner sharf being shorter than they should be (without me doing anything stupid to them
). Perhaps there are more columns out there with the pins gone than people realise?Thanks for the advice - I'll get the column sorted properly by a specialist.
#7
_redrana_
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Posted 12 March 2006 - 07:06 AM
Yella, didn't answer a couple points in your post in my last reply:
- no removing the cotter pins didn't seem to have any effect or removing the steering wheel. I'd removed the whole column with steering wheel in place.
In relation to removing cotter pins is anyone aware of a decent tool that would remove these properly and where they can be bought? There is a specific tool recommended in the Holden service manuals but I'm sure they wont be available for purchase from Dealers (but will try that this week).
- no removing the cotter pins didn't seem to have any effect or removing the steering wheel. I'd removed the whole column with steering wheel in place.
In relation to removing cotter pins is anyone aware of a decent tool that would remove these properly and where they can be bought? There is a specific tool recommended in the Holden service manuals but I'm sure they wont be available for purchase from Dealers (but will try that this week).
#8
_Yella SLuR_
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Posted 13 March 2006 - 09:18 AM
They are a prick to remove for sure, I don't even try. I've never checked, but I've heard it is near impossible to get new pins, so I think it's well worth paying somebody to do it. Prick of a spot to work in as well.
Yes, replacement column I got was also short, but the guys here at Capital Steering and Suspension fixed that all up for me.
Here is why I needed to rebuild my column:- cracked outer column.
Yes, replacement column I got was also short, but the guys here at Capital Steering and Suspension fixed that all up for me.
Here is why I needed to rebuild my column:- cracked outer column.
#9
Dangerous
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Posted 16 March 2006 - 10:01 AM
I have reused steering shafts with the pins sheared. I think that the pins are only to keep the shaft at the correct length during assembly, as once the steering column is assembled, its length is fixed at the top by the circlip and steering wheel, and fixed at the bottom by being attached to the unit joint.
The pins are VERY fragile, and the shaft inner can't slide past where the pins hold it in place anyway.
The pins are VERY fragile, and the shaft inner can't slide past where the pins hold it in place anyway.
#10
_Yella SLuR_
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Posted 16 March 2006 - 11:15 AM
That is prolly right. The meshed part of the outer column is prolly the only bit that stops it moving in and out once all in place. I'd still get the pro's to do it though.
#11
knoath
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 11:12 AM
Just out of interest Yella, how'd you crack the outer casing?
#12
_Yella SLuR_
_Yella SLuR_
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 11:30 AM
Just happens over time, although I get the feeling it might have been agravated by somebody using the steering lock to keep the steering from moving when changing/tightening the flexible link ---> don't do it.
It is a design fault that they start cracking in this location, the pictured example is a bit extreme though. Only discovered it because the mechanic knocked it back for a faulty upper bearing on the rego check.
It is a design fault that they start cracking in this location, the pictured example is a bit extreme though. Only discovered it because the mechanic knocked it back for a faulty upper bearing on the rego check.
#13
_JBM_
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Posted 24 March 2006 - 09:49 AM
Someone was after a GM service tool to remove the steering cotters.
There is a pic of it in the LH factory workshop manual, looks a bit like a roller chain link breaking tool.
Did anyone end up finding one or making one?
James
There is a pic of it in the LH factory workshop manual, looks a bit like a roller chain link breaking tool.
Did anyone end up finding one or making one?
James
#14
LXdamo
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Posted 24 March 2006 - 05:18 PM
nice job on your column yella,
had one almost exactly the same in my first torana.
Welded it up in the car and sold it not long after..
Ahh memories!!!
Damo
had one almost exactly the same in my first torana.
Welded it up in the car and sold it not long after..
Ahh memories!!!
Damo
#15
_redrana_
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Posted 24 March 2006 - 07:46 PM
Yep I was after an original tool for removing the flexible link cotter pins or failing that a substitute that will do the job properly - no luck yet finding one though. I'm still keen to hear if anyone is making them or if anyone who has found a simialr tool to do the job.Someone was after a GM service tool to remove the steering cotters.
There is a pic of it in the LH factory workshop manual, looks a bit like a roller chain link breaking tool.
Did anyone end up finding one or making one?
James
Thanks
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