Lower steering UJ

[steveash]

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?

[J88TEO]

Have you loosen the joint at the steering column ( inside the car )?

[steveash]

Have 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.

[J88TEO]

At the rack end, use a small hammer and give it a few good blow upwards. This should move the joint.

[steveash]

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.