Steering column UJ removal

[30csl]

Any tips for removing the UJ onto the steering box? I removed the two bolts and tried to move it back up the steering shaft but it wont budge. If i take the steering box off i wont have anyting to lever off properly?

Should i remove the shaft inside the car so it can move with the shaft as one?

Any help would be great.

Thanks,

Rohan

 

[61porsche]

I would suggest that you attempt to "wedge" the u-joint connections at the parting line with two screwdrivers, chisel, etc. It's possible that it's just stuck/ frozen on the splines of the shafts(s).

I would avoid trying to leverage much off the box or shaft in order to avoid any stress to other parts with bearings, bushes ( some are plastic), etc.

 

[HB Chris]

Haven't done this on a coupe but on a 2002 you have to remove steering wheel to move shaft into cabin to remove the u-joint.

 

[Sven]

Yes, carefully wedging and prying and lightly tap with a hammer. I think I pried the UJ open ever so slightly to loosen it up. However, the manual says not to do this. I had the engine out so it was easy to get at. Removing the entire column may be easier assuming you can detach either of the spline connections (UJ to box or UJ to shaft) and that the UJ will fit through the opening in the firewall (the one with the rubber bellows grommet). Have you soaked the joint in some PB Blaster?

 

[30csl]

Thanks guys,

I soaked it with penetrating oil and tried to wedge it opened and hit the uj back up the steering column but to no avail. It is moving off the box but there is no room for it to move enough to come off as the steering shaft end wont move.

Anyone else had such a hard time with this?

Its hard also to get a proper direct hit on the UJ as the box is in the way.

Here she is up in the air awaiting a manual steering box and head gasket!

 

[30csl]

Also i can't seem to split the ball joint that attaches the arm from the box to the steering linkages. There is a sort of rubber bushing which stops me getting splitter in between them. Each step seems to have more hurdles!

 

[30csl]

Well i managed to get the box off and then pulled it forward rather than hammering the UJ up the steering shaft. Havent manage to get the arm off the box yet but have access to a decent puller tomorrow.

The ball joint on the arm came off this morning - guess the penetrating oil did its stuff over night.

Now for reassembly with manual box - the weight saving from manual to power must be about 2-3kg.