Knocking from UJ bolts on steering column

[Joe Wright]

Hello all.
There is a knocking on my car that the previous owner traced to the UJ on the steering column.
Can these be repaired does anybody know or will I need to replace it?
Thankyou
Joe

[johnnydog]

There are only UJ's on the shaft that link the bottom of the column to the rack, but there are different types depending on model.
Does the previous owner possibly mean up and down movement of the steering wheel, which is play in the inner column, or is it knocking whilst driving / turning / bumps on the road etc etc? Can you perhaps shed a bit more light on when the knocking occurs Joe, and you may then get a more accurate response to the possible cause.

[Joe Wright]

Hellk of course. It's the Uj's that you talk of. It's got power steering my car 1973.
The previous owner was a mechanic and said they tracked it down to play in them but didn't get round to replacing it.
It knocks most of the time yo be honest.
Sorry I cant be more specific. Just took the previous owners word for it.
Thanks
Joe

[Mike Stevens]

On a PAS car, the upper 'UJ' is actually a rubber 'doughnut' type. The lower one is a sealed for life UJ.

Before condemning the lower UJ, check the plastic bush where the column goes through the bulkhead. They often break up and let the whole column move around in the bulkhead hole.

Take off the air cleaner assembly and get someone to move the steering a bit while you grovel in the engine bay. That should help you find out what is wrong!

I've never had a steering UJ go loose. Stiff, yes, and then you get stiff steering every 180 degrees!

Cheers,
Mike.

[Joe Wright]

Thankyou. I was told it was the lower. UJ. May not be then. I will check the bulkhead as you mentioned later and let you know. Thankyou very much for the advice.
Joe

[johnnydog]

If you can get someone to turn the steering whilst you hold the shaft ( ) you will probably feel if there is any roughness or play in the lower UJ; the rubber doughnut usually tears, and will be visible as the tear opens up when the steering is turned. Probably better to take the weight off the front wheels whilst doing it.

[Joe Wright]

Thankyou. Will do

[Joe Wright]

Definitely coming from the uj. Bush on the bulkhead is new.
Looks like I'll replace it at some point.

[Joe Wright]

Hello all. Had the exhaust replaced and the knocking has gone. It was the old one knocking on the propshaft.
Not the uj.
Nice to fix two issues in one though.
Thanks
Joe