Member Since: 20 Jun 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 164
D4 Lower Steering Column U/J
Quick and hopefully simple question - how many splines are on the lower column U/J? Or to put it another way how many on the steering rack input shaft? 36 seems to stick in my mind but I'd be really grateful if somebody can confirm this.
Thank you.
3rd Apr 2020 6:52 am
Disco_Mikey
Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20841
Member Since: 20 Jun 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 164
Thanks for the quick reply.
3rd Apr 2020 7:05 am
Hobson
Member Since: 20 Jun 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 164
The reason I asked is that my steering wheel is about 10 degrees out of alignment in the dead ahead position.
The body has been off recently for an engine change and I was thinking the U/J was a little out, but with only 3 splines this cannot be the reason. Would a body-off job necessitate removal of the steering wheel perhaps?
3rd Apr 2020 7:16 am
Disco_Mikey
Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20841
Hello all. D4 developed stiff steering last week so changed the lower steering column tonight. I used a part from advanced factors but it is not a genuine part. After fitting the column the steering wheel is now pointing to 11 o clock when the car is driving straight. The wheel was perfectly centered prior to the change. As the upper and lower ends are keyed, does this mean the new part is out of tolerance or have I done something else wrong? If it’s the part, is the fix (a) get a replacement part, or (b) take the steering wheel off move it round on the splines and then get a wheel alignment to make it perfect if necessary? Thanks all
9th Jan 2023 11:45 pm
Lrstaylor
Member Since: 03 Oct 2018
Location: Kent
Posts: 616
No the part from AF is crap I recently did the same thing. The aftermarket lower columns are just plain crap and dangerous with to much free play on them.
Genuine only is the way to go I refitted my old column and all is now straight and true I will be sending this 1 back along with a chinease maf sensor they sold me last year which has been causing lean codes.
This is with the AF steering column fitted.
Mine isn’t quite so severe but definitely off in the same direction. Disappointing to hear about you having similar issues as I rang before ordering to seek reassurance on the quality. Must get searching for a retailer who can supply genuine.
10th Jan 2023 6:29 am
Lrstaylor
Member Since: 03 Oct 2018
Location: Kent
Posts: 616
Cheers. Wish i had read that first. Genuine ordered for del on Thurs. Another night lying under the disco coming up. At least now i know not to try and take short cuts and just jack up the car properly and remove the lower gearbox guard.
Genuine LR column fitted today and pleased to report steering wheel back to straight ahead. Very disappointing from a supposed high quality after market part that it was so far out.
As a tip to anyone changing one in the future, on both columns I found the lower yoke was too tight to slip over the lower shaft and had to open them up slightly more so they could slide over. So before you refit it, spread the yoke slightly to save having to fit and then remove.
14th Jan 2023 7:24 pm
Lrstaylor
Member Since: 03 Oct 2018
Location: Kent
Posts: 616
That's good you have it sorted I'm going yo send mine back along with the chinease maf they sent me a while back that been giving me lean codes
Yep mine is packaged up ready to be posted back on Monday.
14th Jan 2023 8:10 pm
Lrstaylor
Member Since: 03 Oct 2018
Location: Kent
Posts: 616
Was yours from AF ? Site sponsors like mine. If so have you informed them your returning it as faulty. Would be interesting if it is how they respond to x2 faulty after market parts being returned.
14th Jan 2023 11:33 pm
Flatlander
Member Since: 20 Jul 2015
Location: Here
Posts: 575
I bought one from Maltings, essentially the top part was off by 120 degrees and the rubber damper was far too soft / elastic. Dangerous in my view, needless to say it was returned, they didn't seem bothered at all. As above, expensive but with a 'made in China' label on the box - not what I was expecting. Haven't / won't use them since.
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