steering column U-joint

H

Honolulu

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,933
Reaction score
238
Location
Honolulu Hawaii
For the second time, the lower u-joint in my steering column has gotten stiff. This results in a tight spot (or two) when you turn the steering wheel.

I was able to restore free movement last time by taking it off, repeatedly oiling it, and just playing with it until the oil worked in. This time, it's real stiff and I think the little tiny needle bearings have rusted up a little too far.

Anyone (other than a dealer) got one of these?
 
Check out the UJ from other BMW's such as the old 5 series E28 if your having trouble finding one.
In fact most motor manufactures use the same coupling so look at the ones in other cars.
You can get modern equivalents to fit including the "solid" flex couplings used in motorsport and aircraft!
Malc
 
yes I did that

Input the part number to Realoem and it told me the UJ was also used on 5 and 6 series of that era. But so what? Cars that old aren't lining the sidewalks any more.

So I put the little bugger in a tin can half full of ATF and turned the heat gun on it for a hour or so. Hot ATF stinks, probably because there was some other petroleum like fluids there too.

After a half hour near-boil, and an overnight soak, the joint is just fine, lucky me.

Reinstalling was kindof difficult, though. Anyone know that these things are not the same, end to end? I do now. Though the upper and lower column diameter is the same, the stub out of the steering box is grooved where the bolt clamps the joint to the fine-splined stub. The bolt didn't want to go back through; I ended up filing a flat along it and using some persuasion.

But it's all together and the steering wheel is adjusted to be straight with the wheels, so on to other little difficulties.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top