Steering Column Universal Joint

johncam · Post by **johncam** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 9:41 pm

Noticed a little bit of play at the steering wheel over the last few days. After speaking to Alan at Falkland and reading the symptoms described on eliseparts.com :

http://www.eliseparts.com/shop/index.ph ... cts_id=577

I'm fairly sure its the Universal Joint that is worn.

Couple of questions really...

1. Can you fit this yourself or is it easier / safer to get Falkland to do it? - Not the cost I'm bothered about just that I'm going on holiday next week and won't be able to get up to Glenrothes before I go.

2. EliseParts sell the Universal Joint in three kits i.e. Top Joint, Bottom Joint or Top / Bottom Joints with the Joining Rod - It seems to be the Bottom Joint that is worn on my car but would I be just as well replacing the Top Joint at the same time given that the car has only done 13,500 miles and the Bottom Joint has worn?

Cheers,

John C.

johncam · Post by **johncam** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:29 pm

Just found a posting on the Lotus BBS Archive - seems it could just be a loose pinch bolt on the slip-joint on the SCUJ...fingers crossed.

Quote

"I had a slight 'rattle' that I could feel through the steering on my S2 so I took it into SGT and they have cured it by 'tightening the pinch bolts' "

Going to check everything is tightened tomorrow.

Cheers,

John

Post by **Shug** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:17 am

Yeah - you will have to really crank down hard on the bolts - they need to be FFFFFFFT.

johncam · Post by **johncam** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 3:14 pm

Well, checked the bolts and they are all super tight. Managed to get the car up to Falkland this morning for a once ove. They have confirmed that its the bottom section of the SCUJ that needs replaced - at least its not my Steering Rack!!

Cheers,

John C