Play in upper steering column ?

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Mikem7709
Posts: 185
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2011 8:12 am

Play in upper steering column ?

Post by Mikem7709 » Tue Feb 14, 2012 9:18 am

Have a tiny bit of play in the steering, about 4-5mm when stationary (can't really notice it while driving). Just had a service/MOT at Murray with no mention of it either.

I've nipped up the pinch bolts on the UJ's except the top one on the upper jont (can't see any way of getting to this one ?) and it's still there. The joints themselves look OK, so has anyone had their collapsible column replaced if so can you give me an idea of cost or can it be DIY'd quite easily ? Everything is solHid at the road end.

I've got 2weeks left on my 3rd party warranty, covering all parts to value of car but labour limit is £70/hour, I also get the feeling they may try and use wear/tear. Certainly if they send someone out, they'll see it's far from standard.

woody
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Joined: Mon Dec 26, 2005 4:03 pm
Location: Southside Triangle

Re: Play in upper steering column ?

Post by woody » Tue Feb 14, 2012 10:39 am

What's far from standard, the car or the amount of play?

It's a corsa upper column, airbag non-pas corsa B I think. There's a nylon pin theat wears and can break (it's designed to in a crash) that causes the play. I picked up a good replacement column for pennies on ebay. From what I remember (S1) you can only get at the upper joint bolt with the lower part released? It's been a while though.

It's not too involved a job to replace, but if you've a warranty, try it? Not sure where you are, but are MMC not at or below £70 an hour these days?

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Ferg
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Location: Auld Reekie

Re: Play in upper steering column ?

Post by Ferg » Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:04 pm

Have you jacked up the car to check it's not an inboard steering knuckle?

Two recent steering rack threads.

http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/vie ... ng#p370344

http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/vie ... t=steering

Mikem7709
Posts: 185
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2011 8:12 am

Re: Play in upper steering column ?

Post by Mikem7709 » Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:11 pm

TBH I thought a main dealer labour rate would've been more than the warranty covers (too many years in BMW's).

A quick email to Craig and MMC have an agreed rate with my warranty company, so going to drop it off sometime this week. The warranty renewal came through yesterday, so hopefully they won't mess about too much.

There's a brand new column on eBay for £70 if all else fails.

Mikem7709
Posts: 185
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2011 8:12 am

Re: Play in upper steering column ?

Post by Mikem7709 » Fri Feb 17, 2012 4:44 pm

New column on order, covered under warranty. Wonder I the renewal that's due in two weeks had any influence ? :lol:

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