Steering column question

[J Graf]

My 1971 Sedan has a lot of steering wheel play and subsequently wanders back and forth in the lane as I drive down the road. I looked under the dash and found this: There is about a quarter inch of side-to-side play where the steering column shaft enters the fire wall. Another way to say it: When I turn the steering wheel, the shaft moves to one side until it hits the edge and then the front wheels start to turn. When I need to correct and turn the wheel back the other way, the shaft moves all the way to the other side, hitting the edge before the front wheels turn back the other way. Not a fun way to drive. As long as I stay below 35-40 miles an hour, it is manageable, but no one driving behind me is happy, so I want it fixed. Besides, I remember that these were fun even at 65. Any ideas where I should start? Oh, there is no play whatsoever in the tie rod ends. Thanks. John.

[Don B Laughton]

There are a couple of U-joints between the end of the column abd the steering rack.  If these joints are tight, and it sounds like they are, the rack may be adrift...not secured against the body.  Have someone turn the wheel back and forth to see if the rack is moving.  If so, check to see if the four rack bolts are still there.  If the rack is still secured, the rack pinion and gear are probably worn out.  Still, if the end of the column, from inside the cabin, appears to be moving left and right, my money would be on a loose rack wandering about.
Best Wishes, Don
From:
J Graf
To:
2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com Cc:
anzhonda600owners@yahoogroups.com
Sent:
Thursday, September 19, 2013 12:47 PM
Subject:
[2cylinderhondas] Steering column question
My 1971 Sedan has a lot of steering wheel play and subsequently wanders back and forth in the lane as I drive down the road. I looked under the dash and found this: There is about a quarter inch of side-to-side play where the steering column shaft enters the fire wall. Another way to say it: When I turn the steering wheel, the shaft moves to one side until it hits the edge and then the front wheels start to turn. When I need to correct and turn the wheel back the other way, the shaft moves all the way to the other side, hitting the edge before the front wheels turn back the other way. Not a fun way to drive. As long as I stay below 35-40 miles an hour, it is manageable, but no one driving behind me is happy, so I want it fixed. Besides, I remember that these were fun even at 65. Any ideas where I should start? Oh, there is no play whatsoever in the tie rod ends. Thanks. John.

[J Graf]

Don, thanks for the tip but it's down to gears being worn out. The rack bolts are tight (all there) and nothing moves when the steering wheel is turned. The only visible slop is right where that shaft at the end of the steering column under the dash enters the firewall. Fortunately I know an excellent young mechanic who is extremely capable AND he's in love with the 600s. He says he'll help fix the problem. With my work schedule the next three weeks, it won't be until a couple of weeks into October before we can start of the project. John
On Sep 19, 2013, at 5:03 PM, Don B Laughton wrote:

> There are a couple of U-joints between the end of the column abd the steering rack.  If these joints are tight, and it sounds like they are, the rack may be adrift...not secured against the body.  Have someone turn the wheel back and forth to see if the rack is moving.  If so, check to see if the four rack bolts are still there.  If the rack is still secured, the rack pinion and gear are probably worn out.  Still, if the end of the column, from inside the cabin, appears to be moving left and right, my money would be on a loose rack wandering about.

[feltonminicycle]

This topic comes up about once a month. Its the 2 steering rack bushings. I used to make them and currently have 30 sets on back order (still no time). You can read the message archives if you can get to them since Yahoo fucked up Groups with Neo I avoid all Groups as much as possible.
Miles

--- In 2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com, wrote:
Don, thanks for the tip but it's down to gears being worn out. The rack bolts are tight (all there) and nothing moves when the steering wheel is turned. The only visible slop is right where that shaft at the end of the steering column under the dash enters the firewall. Fortunately I know an excellent young mechanic who is extremely capable AND he's in love with the 600s. He says he'll help fix the problem. With my work schedule the next three weeks, it won't be until a couple of weeks into October before we can start of the project. John
On Sep 19, 2013, at 5:03 PM, Don B Laughton wrote:
> > There are a couple of U-joints between the end of the column abd the steering rack.  If these joints are tight, and it sounds like they are, the rack may be adrift...not secured against the body.  Have someone turn the wheel back and forth to see if the rack is moving.  If so, check to see if the four rack bolts are still there.  If the rack is still secured, the rack pinion and gear are probably worn out.  Still, if the end of the column, from inside the cabin, appears to be moving left and right, my money would be on a loose rack wandering about.