A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I'm getting a bit of up/down movement in my steering wheel. When I remove the centre cover of the wheel and move it up and down I can see that there is some play in the bearing nearest the top of the column.
Is it possible to replace this or is it new rack time?
A:
You need to replace the upper steering column bearing. This bearing is actually pressed into a housing which also contains the ignition barrel. It is a matter of removing the steering wheel and then all the plastics around it, then remove the steering switches. Then depending on the age of... oh shιt, you haven't told us what your car is, have you? I was assuming a MK2 Golf but it could be anything, so I'll stop there.
A:
Deeply sorry old chap!
It's a MK2 Golf 'GTI' :)
A:
Also, sometimes, the 6mm allen key on the underneath of the ignition housing comes loose, try this first. If not, then you will need a new ignition housing.
A:
Also, sometimes, the 6mm allen key on the underneath of the ignition housing comes loose, try this first. If not, then you will need a new ignition housing.
I will check this first! The car should be safe to drive at the present time shouldn't it?
A:
Certainly.
A:
I had to do exactly the same thing the other day before one of our MK2s went in for the MOT. I thought the upper bearing was dead, but actually the allen key bolt just needed tightening. Which was a nice outcome!
Would not worry about driving it mate. Obviously just get it sorted when you can.
If the housing needs to be replaced then removing it can be a bit of a swine. Removal from an earlier (88/89 or earlier, I think) MK2 is easier because you just have to drive a washer off the end of the column (and refit a new one), but on later MK2s you need to use a bearing puller to remove a collar piece at the end. To remove your ignition barrel out of the old housing you drill a little hole in a certain place and insert a pointed object to release it.
A:
I had to do exactly the same thing the other day before one of our MK2s went in for the MOT. I thought the upper bearing was dead, but actually the allen key bolt just needed tightening. Which was a nice outcome!
Would not worry about driving it mate. Obviously just get it sorted when you can.
If the housing needs to be replaced then removing it can be a bit of a swine. Removal from an earlier (88/89 or earlier, I think) MK2 is easier because you just have to drive a washer off the end of the column (and refit a new one), but on later MK2s you need to use a bearing puller to remove a collar piece at the end. To remove your ignition barrel out of the old housing you drill a little hole in a certain place and insert a pointed object to release it.
Allen Key at the ready! Drill on standby
A:
I tightened the alley bolt in question. No change unfortunately, the problem is definitely the bearing - there is clearly play in it which is so bad that it can be seen with the naked eye as well as felt through the wheel.
Do I need to replace the entire upper section of the rack, or can I buy the bearing from VAG?
A:
like Trev said its a part that sits on the end of the upper column. it also holds the ignition barrel. definatly get the part from VAG, GSF ones are mostly crap and are made out of chocolate!
If you haven't got a bearing puller get one from your local motorspares, will come in handy for other things!
A:
Hey guys howzit,,,,i have a similar problem,,,,but when my car mk2 gti 1.8 idle the dash board and steering wheel rattle is there any suggestions that i could try to make it go away,,,,,,please help
A:
if im not on here anytime soon my email address is "a.follentine@hotmail.com"