Steering Column UJ

[Brewster]

Has anybody ever had an issue with one of these being slack? As in the coupler halves to each other, not the clamp bolts to the column sections. I had a tapping noise through the steering before I rebuilt it. Having installed new A arms, ball joints, tie rods with ends, etc I was hoping it would solve the noise, but it's still there when I rock the steering wheel left and right.

It appears to be from the UJ under the cover in the front compartment, but it's not possible to tell 100%. I'd rather be sure before splashing out >£200 on a new one. If it's one of those parts that never seem to fail I'll wait until the car is back on the road to diagnose it, but whilst I have the car on stands it'd be an easier job to tackle right now.

It looks like I should be able to wiggle it out by undoing the rack from the crossmember without removing the rack from the car and splitting the track rod ends again.

[AndrewSlater]

I had a similar problem on my 912 a few years back that was diagnosed by a specialist as a faulty U/J.

I bought a replacement used one only to find it was the pinch bolt in the U/J was loose.

Before getting a replacement, I would suggest checking the pinch bolts first, otherwise remove the U/J ( it can be wiggled out usually ) and then see if you can feel any wear and slack when you have it in your hand.

I have a spare one for a '66 car but I think the later ones are different in them having or not having splines ( but I could be wrong - usually am ).

[Brewster]

Thanks. I intend to slack the pinch bolts a little and run the rack stop to stop a few times on the ground, make sure everything is settled.