Re: [DML] Steering Bushing

["daveswingle2" <dswingle@xxxx>]

I also did this recently, following Andy's advice I purposely 
separated the steering column. Overall it took about 2 hours, with NO 
assistant. I had separated the u-joint a couple of years ago and put 
anti-sieze compound on it at that time, so no problem. It was a huge 
deal the first time though. If yours has never been apart the all-day 
estimate may not be far off.

The manual is pretty accurate on this - remove the pads on either 
side of the steering column AND the bracket that hangs down. You can 
get the column OUT with the bracket there, but it gets seriously in 
the way when you go to put it back together and you may break the new 
bushing due to the low angle on the steering column.

The most obnoxious part was probably driving the new bushing in to 
place, what Andy stated works fine. I used a long extension with 
about a 1" socket on it for the same purpose (I have an older set of 
crummy sockets for just such purposes). 

When you put it back together, put the lower part of the still-
separated steering column thru the bushing first, and loosely 
assemble the u-joints. THEN slide the rest of the steering column 
into place over it and raise into position. Where most people have 
the problem is trying to put the column thru the bushing all in one 
piece, since the column tends to retract into the collapsible part.

Dave Swingle

--- In dmcnews@xxxx, Soma576@xxxx wrote:
> In a message dated 5/9/02 9:03:26 PM Central Daylight Time, 
cpgny9@xxxx 
> writes:
> 
> 
> > Has anyone installed the steering bushing themselves? I am 
ordering 
----
> by far the most difficult part is seperating the U-joints on the 
intermediate 
> shaft from the column. you better start pouring liquid wrench on 
them NOW 
----
>here's a tip for the bushing 
> installation. get a long pipe that will stick out farther than the 
dashboard 
> when it is against the firewall. you will want to put the bushing 
in, put 
> the pipe against the bushing, and hammer the bushing in by hitting 
the pipe 
> out in the open where you can get a couple of good swings. this 
will make 
> the bushing go into the metal plate easier. other than that, the 
project just 
> takes all day because of how much stuff you had to disassemble!!!!