Hi all,
Just got myself another 325 and i've got a few problems with it already...
The main one at the minute is the steering. Basically some theiving scum decided they wanted it- ruined the door lock, smashed window and broken shear bolt on the steering lock.
I've not replaced the shear bolt but i have put the steering lock assembley back into its correct position. I'm fairly sure that the steering wheel is not touching any of the assembly, but the steering now feels stiffer than normal and has started squeeking from just behind the steering wheel.
My worry is that in their efforts to brake the steering lock could they have bent the shaft in the steering column not allowing it to run on the bearing(s) correctly? Would this mean changing the column and how much of a ball ache is that. (they also nicked my Haynes manual, not that it was much use anyway).
... Then just have to change my bent rear subframe- Joy!
Thanks in advance,
Jon
Steering stiff and squeeking!?
Moderator: martauto
-
Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Welcome to the zone - sorry you've been ignored for half a day, and sorry that your first post is as the result of some thieving scum bag's activities!
Squeaking from behind the steering wheel is usually a problem with the carbon brush and brass slip ring for the horn push.
I suppose the steering shaft could have been bent, but it's not something I've heard of before.
Steering column is easy enough to change ONCE you've dealt with the headless shear bolts that hold the top of the column. I've used various methods on these, involving drills, grinders, cold chisels and welders.
Use ordinary hex heads as replacements.
Squeaking from behind the steering wheel is usually a problem with the carbon brush and brass slip ring for the horn push.
I suppose the steering shaft could have been bent, but it's not something I've heard of before.
Steering column is easy enough to change ONCE you've dealt with the headless shear bolts that hold the top of the column. I've used various methods on these, involving drills, grinders, cold chisels and welders.
Use ordinary hex heads as replacements.
Thanks Brian, i understand you're a bit of a legend on here...
I'm hoping that it is just the horn ring, but as the steerings also got stiffer i think it may be something a little more envolved. I think i might just change the column as you say- is it just the 2 headless shear bolts at the top of the column or is there 2 more at the bottom? Do you reckon an angle grinder is the best bet to get them off?
I'm hoping that it is just the horn ring, but as the steerings also got stiffer i think it may be something a little more envolved. I think i might just change the column as you say- is it just the 2 headless shear bolts at the top of the column or is there 2 more at the bottom? Do you reckon an angle grinder is the best bet to get them off?
I have a Ford Sierra column (stop sniggering at the back 
) that was meant for my kitcar. Thieving scumbags had snapped the lock on that (ok because I was cutting it all off anyway) but in doing so they have bent the shaft about 2mm out of true and it doesn't run cleanly in its bearings. So yes, it can happen on something of similar weight and size.
jk
) that was meant for my kitcar. Thieving scumbags had snapped the lock on that (ok because I was cutting it all off anyway) but in doing so they have bent the shaft about 2mm out of true and it doesn't run cleanly in its bearings. So yes, it can happen on something of similar weight and size.jk
E30 320i Rally Turd - Usually broken
E24 635Csi - Rotting in peace for now
E34 540i - Daily driver
Blown R1 Striker - In progress
E24 635Csi - Rotting in peace for now
E34 540i - Daily driver
Blown R1 Striker - In progress