Lazeum Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 (edited) I'm having some steering shaft play in my 240z. It was the case before so I've changed the column and the play is still there with the same exact amount (2-4° maybe) - if you check in the history, you'll find my post to get a replacement. I know it is the column since I've taken it apart. I know it is from the column since I've tested it. I put the yoke that clamps on the coupler on a vice and turned the shaft on the other end with the steering wheel attached. It is hard to feel without steering wheel but it is possible also. What's weird is: 1- That's the 2nd column with the same exact issue I've got. 2- Nobody on this board mentioned such issues (based on my researches) In addition to having some play, it amplifies vibrations in the steering wheel on bumpy roads & the steering feel could be improved. If I could get rid of it, it would be nice. I've tried to disassemble the column to check it out but I wasn't succefull. I believe the splines between the upper shaft & the lower shaft could be damaged. I can only look at splines on the lower shaft that slides out of the assembly easily: everything look like new. I've checked other Z car whenever I had the opportunity. I felt the issue on other cars so I shouldn't be the only one in this situation. What's your feeling about it? Any solution? Edited June 18, 2012 by Lazeum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 I have the same problem. I have a little play in the u-joints in the shaft that connects the steering column to the steering rack. I don't know if this could be your problem or not. If it is...the steering shafts are not available. There is some research on this on the forum. Seems the only way to fix it is to have a custom shaft made with aftermarket u-joints. I think that the splines on the shaft are somewhat hard to find in a replacement u-joint. I have not completed this repair, so I know this only from doing forum research. Try searching steering shaft or something of that nature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazeum Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share Posted June 19, 2012 The u-joints are fine. I've checked them carefully, there's no play in them. It's ironacal but I'm working in automotive steering company and it would be fairly easy to find some u-joint replacements in such case There's definitely something going on inside the column jackets but I have no clue why or how to disassemble the system without destroying it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beermanpete Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 The upper shaft is held in with a snap ring that is behind the steering wheel. After you remove the steering wheel and the combination switch you will see a cone behind the splines for the steering wheel. The cone is split and held in place with a wire spring clip. Remove the wire clip and cone. Now you should see a snap ring. Remove the snap ring and the upper shaft will slide out the back of the shaft housing. You can clean and inspect the bearings, splines, and the spring. Make sure the spring has the proper free length and that it requires some compression to install the snap ring. The spring tension keeps the bearings from having free play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazeum Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share Posted June 20, 2012 That's great info. I went as far as removing the snap ring on my previous column but nothing was moving. I did not want to destroy it. I'll give a try and see if I can go further next time and get rid of the little shaft play! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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