MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: steveash on June 12, 2024, 14:38

Title: Lower steering UJ
Post by: steveash on June 12, 2024, 14:38
My steering feels heavier than before and as I already had all the bits in stock I decided it was time to fit a new steering UJ.

Bolts at each end removed, plus gas liberally sprayed. Clamps levered apart but the thing doesn't want to move, despite the clamp appearing to open with a twist of a screwdriver. Any ideas? Or should I just take it to someone who knows which end of the hammer to hold?
Title: Re: Lower steering UJ
Post by: J88TEO on June 12, 2024, 15:19
Have you loosen the joint at the steering column ( inside the car )?
Title: Re: Lower steering UJ
Post by: steveash on June 12, 2024, 15:55
Quote from: J88TEO on June 12, 2024, 15:19Have you loosen the joint at the steering column ( inside the car )?

Yes, took the bolt out completely and waggled a screwdriver in the clamp. I could feel a little play in the steering wheel with this one undone so it should be loose.
Title: Re: Lower steering UJ
Post by: J88TEO on June 12, 2024, 21:59
At the rack end, use a small hammer and give it a few good blow upwards. This should move the joint.
Title: Re: Lower steering UJ
Post by: steveash on June 13, 2024, 16:56
Finally managed to do it. I removed the upper UJ to check if this was the problem but it moved freely so I went out and bought a heat gun and carefully warmed the UJ around the spindle and it came off with some hammering.

It actually wasn't all that corroded but I suppose after 20 years together they really didn't want to let go.