All,
I finally rebushed the steering column this weekend.
It was a relatively easy job, but took a long time, due mainly
to my inexperience.
Many thanks to those who offered suggestions on removing
the old bushes (Dan Masters, Justin Wagner, Kenneth Brown,
Larry Miceli). I tried all (except Larry's suggestion of using a heat
gun and melting the rubber) but could not get them to budge. In the
end, I reverted to using a really long drill bit (I think it was 1/8"
and inserting it between the outer steering column cowl and the
metal sleeve in the bushing, I was able to drill out the rubber.
Worked great. Inserting the bushings after civering them in ArmourAll
was easy, they just slipped in with a mild push using a broom handle as
as drift!
Reassembling the column and getting it back in the car was simple,
though tedious. The steering is now firm with no play! Wonderful!.
Thanks to all for the help! Now for my next project (after I drive
the care around for a while - I need my fix) - thrust washers and big-ends
(I've been watching Carol Zingone's posts with interest.....).
Shane Ingate in San Diego
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