Splitting a steering UJ (Corsa linkage)

[andrew_baran]

Can't seem to find an answer to this - the wiki is a little vague about the process.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ng_Linkage

I can't find any guides or information on how to split a steering UJ. What's the process of removing the cups for the UJ, without destroying it?

It looks like I have to try and file out the little "tabs" on each corner of the hex, that i guess might be holding the UJ cups in place? Then drifting it out so that the cup on the other side comes out?

Just wanted to see if I could get some advice from someone that's done it before, so I don't destroy my E30 ones!

[ryan_gwa]

As far as I can rememeber, you need to bend the tiny tabs up, hold one half of the UJ in the vice and knock the the cap on side out by hitting if through from the adjacent cap. That should allow you to get the 'X' shaped piece out. You can then gently tap the remaining cap from the inside.

Just be careful all the rolling bearings don't go flying out when the cap pop through!

[griff87]

This is how I did it.. taken from my M30 build thread.


Had a go at this corsa steering rack mod today. Corsa linkage cost £6 in the 'yard and there is no shortage of them. In case anyone else is thinking of doing this I'll jot down the steps as the wiki leaves a little to the imagination.

1. I used a hack saw to remove the corsa universal joint. This is the non-splined end that we are discarding. The metal is fairly soft and easy to hack saw through.



Be careful not to saw through the bearing shells (why I used a saw not a grinder)



2. Repeat on the opposite side, leaving you with this



A quick tug and it should come apart



Leaving you with this (keep)



and this (discard)



Put the corsa linkage to one side for a moment and turn your attention to the bmw linkage. I used an e36 but it would be the same if you were using your e30 linkage.

3. Use a grinder to lop off the upper part of the e30 linkage below the UJ. I did this to allow me better grinder access for the next step. The metal surround will just fall off allowing you to get in there with the cutting disc (this will become clear in the next pic)



Now it's easy to see what needs to go



4. Make two cuts as shown by the red arrows



Probably best not to try and take a pic during, but sparks are cool!



You're left with this



A quick application of the lump hammer should break off any remaining metal



Remember this will be hot hot hot, pliers not fingers



5. Lock your UJ in a vice and punch out the bearings. Your'll probably find the little cylindrical rollers will fall out and get lost but it doesn't matter as we are using the ones from the corsa.
Be careful as this will still be hot from the grinding.





You will be left with



6. Using a round file smooth off the guide holes. You want the corsa shells to fit in there snugly and not be too loose. I would file a little and test fit until you think it will just about squeeze in. Patience needed here.



I added a little extra copper grease to the shell to help stop the rollers falling out during the next few steps.



7. Insert the corsa linkage into the e30 upper UJ, push the shells in from the outside so they seat on the bearing.



Like this



You might need to use the punch to get them seated correctly both sides.

8. Take your punch and hit the aluminium surround hard to stop the bearing sliding out.



Like this



Four should be enough, make sure you do the other side as well



9. Now its just that pesky master spline to file down and you're done.



It feels very solid, quite pleased with the result, I will be trial fitting this set up soon.

[andrew_baran]

A-1! Much appreciated!

[griff87]

A-1! Much appreciated!

[Grrrmachine]

That write-up is wiki-worthy! I'll get it transferred ASAP.

[BenHar]

I'm not convinced you need to do all that hacking.

The UJ cups should push out in a vice with a couple of sockets.

Ben

[trojen]

I'm not convinced you need to do all that hacking.

The UJ cups should push out in a vice with a couple of sockets.

Ben

+1

[magpie]

regardless of the method it's a f00kin good starting point well illustrated .


well done fella , good improvisation right there .

[andrew_baran]

Did this today. I tried both ways - not being so happy with the angle grinder first, but ended up following the method above. You just can't seem to push the cups out enough in the vice.

Definitely worthy of the Wiki.

[griff87]

I also tried pushing it out with a vice at the time, it didn't seem to work for me. People will always say you've done this or that wrong on the zone. This way worked for me, glad you got it sorted

Vice no likely.