The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

The bush where the steering column goes through the firewall has disintegrated with time, so the column is resting on the edge of the hole in the firewall.

I have a new bush to fit. What I am struggling with is removing the end of the column from the pinch clamp on the intermediate shaft that connects to the steering rack. I would be grateful for any tips.

Can this be done by a single person, or does it need two?

It can be done solo.

You can try inserting a cold chisel into the split of the UJ to try to open up the splines slightly; it is only friction, muck and possibly a bit of corrosion that you need to overcome. You can also use a drift to hammer the bodies of the UJ and lower coupling. If I encounter problems, I usually undo and remove all three bolts and remove both the UJ and lower coupling so I can work the splines to hopefully prevent the same problem next time...

I think I did remove the intermediate shaft last time. But it was many years ago. I did get it apart, but getting it back together was was really difficult with just one person.

Getting the joint free is mostly just a BFMI job, prise the spline apart a bit with a ton of WD40 and a big screwdriver or cold chisel. Oh, and don't forget to slack the column clamp via the adjuster inside the car.

The only hard bit is getting the upper column to engage in the intermediate UJ through the bulkhead going back. It needs to be pushed through from the inside whilst being simultaneously supported in place from under the bonnet. Dont forget to get the column centred or you'll have to do it all again! If it's not right, the indicator cancelling won't work properly, can't tell you how annoying I find that! Being a "one man band", i've developed techniques, it's POSSIBLE solo, but frustratingly fiddly. Much better to have a volunteer to hold the intermediate in position while you push/tap the column in from inside. Best to make sure everything at this joint is clean, free, well lubed and engages easily before you start too!

Steve

Yep, it is one of these nightmare jobs. I admire people who can get these things apart with virtually no access. They must have both the strength of a Gorilla and the patience of a saint.

I did it with engine and gearbox out of the way, which makes the job a million times easier.