Pennock's Fiero Forum
  Technical Discussion & Questions - Archive
  over-extended Rack&P to Column shaft

T H I S   I S   A N   A R C H I V E D   T O P I C
  

Email This Page to Someone! | Printable Version


over-extended Rack&P to Column shaft by stevemasleid
Started on: 05-21-2001 10:30 PM
Replies: 6
Last post by: theogre on 05-24-2001 03:33 PM
stevemasleid
Member
Posts: 18
From: Fishers, Indiana
Registered: May 2001


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post05-21-2001 10:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for stevemasleidSend a Private Message to stevemasleidDirect Link to This Post
I accidently yanked too hard on my steering wheel in a vein attempt to free my broken steering column from the linkage at the floor of my 86 automatic Fiero GT. I ended up over extending two pieces of telescoping shaft. the metal that I speak of contains the pinch clamp that connects to the bottom of the steering column at one end and connects to the rack and pinion at the other end.(THE ENTIRE LINKAGE IS COVERED IN A RUBBER BOOT) the lower connection can be seen below. This picture was taken with the front spare tire holder removed and part of the boot pulled back to expose what I think is a separation point. If anyone knows how I should fix this, please let me know. I can't install my new steering column until the universal joint is back in the original position.
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
PBJ
Member
Posts: 4167
From: London, On., Canada
Registered: Jan 2001


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 147
Rate this member

Report this Post05-22-2001 08:39 PM Click Here to See the Profile for PBJSend a Private Message to PBJDirect Link to This Post
I'll give this a try. Sounds like the collapsible shaft within your steering column has pulled out. What it is, if you where in an accident and the steering system was forced rear ward this shaft will collapse or shrink to absorb the movement. Instead pulling on it you have pulled in beyond it's stake (or pinched/crushed) section to keep from coming apart. You will likely have to strip steering column down to repair and re crimp/stake these two pieces. I have worked on the steering system on many vehicles and there is nothing there that you could have broken or pulled apart that you would not be able to put back together. If in doubt go to a GM dealer parts counter and have'm print out an exploded view to help.
IP: Logged
theogre
Member
Posts: 32520
From: USA
Registered: Mar 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 572
Rate this member

Report this Post05-23-2001 11:24 AM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreDirect Link to This Post
I didn't think that section shown comes apart.....

The actual steering column ends at another unversal under the dash. The section above is a driveshaft between the column and the rack unit.

I'd say you need to take out the section and see what if any real damage you did to it. You may just be able to slide it together or you may have to replace it. It's not something you want to cobble....

If you are having trouble getting the joints apart try spreading the split in the side of the joint. What ever you do, DON'T beat on it! You'll likely wreck the bearings in the rack if you do.

If I understand what you are asking.... Up on the column itself... you pulled the column crush sleeve out.

You should be able to just slide that back in without any problem. That section is held in place by a drag spring. No real damage by sliding it. Safest way to compress it is with the column out and the driveshaft off. just put the shaft end on a wood block then lean on the column a little at a time untill it slide where you need it. Doesn't have to be perfect as long as you can reconnect the drive shaft to it. If you get it a hair short put a big set of vise grips on and GENTLELY tap them until it's where you need it.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 05-23-2001).]

IP: Logged
stevemasleid
Member
Posts: 18
From: Fishers, Indiana
Registered: May 2001


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post05-23-2001 08:58 PM Click Here to See the Profile for stevemasleidSend a Private Message to stevemasleidDirect Link to This Post
It is the driveshaft that goes from the steering column to the rack. The rubber boot will not permit removal. I am at a loss...
IP: Logged
Fierowrecker
Member
Posts: 1858
From: Lowell, MI. USA
Registered: Mar 2001


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post05-23-2001 10:37 PM Click Here to See the Profile for FierowreckerClick Here to visit Fierowrecker's HomePageSend a Private Message to FierowreckerDirect Link to This Post
OH GOD!!!
I CAN't RESIST!!!
WHAT A JERK!!!!!!!
crash...
sorry, perminent insanity...

Get some lube on that rust and work it into place...
You may need to expand the split in the clamp with a screw driver...
It does come off and go on, I have done it 4 times...
crash...

IP: Logged
stevemasleid
Member
Posts: 18
From: Fishers, Indiana
Registered: May 2001


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post05-24-2001 02:58 PM Click Here to See the Profile for stevemasleidSend a Private Message to stevemasleidDirect Link to This Post
The pinch clamp is free, The geometry of the "driveshaft" keeps it from moving far enough from the R&P to come out (because it is extended)
IP: Logged
theogre
Member
Posts: 32520
From: USA
Registered: Mar 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 572
Rate this member

Report this Post05-24-2001 03:33 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreDirect Link to This Post
that's about normal. It's not suposed to fall off....

What you are describing indicates the column is actually set at it's correct lenght.

You usually have either the rack loose or the column dropped when working on this shaft section. It's not ment to be removed easily. You would not want it that way either....

IP: Logged



All times are ET (US)

T H I S   I S   A N   A R C H I V E D   T O P I C
  

Contact Us | Back To Main Page

Advertizing on PFF | Fiero Parts Vendors
PFF Merchandise | Fiero Gallery
Real-Time Chat | Fiero Related Auctions on eBay



Copyright (c) 1999, C. Pennock