Technical 2001 Punto Pinch Bolt U/J Part

[scrappydoo]

I've been following this while I change a complete steering column on a 2001 model but I can't work out whereabouts this fits on the lower U/J pinch bolt:

Can anyone help?

 

[s and b]

cant say ive seen one of these on a punto but its usually straight forward that part goes through the split bit
of more concern is your bolt looks bent and so weakened
these early punto bolts loosen a bit anyway, certainly ive seen some 52 plates do it, so you may wish to dab it with locktight if you have concerns but change the bolt if its bent

 

[D4nny8oy]

Gold-coloured piece slips over the rack pinion before sliding the steering shaft onto it- (ignore the red arrow)



And I agree with s and b- that bolt looks like someone's been heaving on it before and severly weakened it.

 

[scrappydoo]

D4nnyb8y, that picture is perfect.......many thanks....if I could kiss you I would! ;o)

Does anyone know the torque setting for the pinch bolt, and yes I will be replacing it!

 

[scrappydoo]

This is turning into a nightmare!

I'm really struggling to get the pinch bolt through while it's in position due to no clearance at the back of the steering rack spline. I'm contemplating putting the pinch bolt and nut on the wrong way and tightening up.....then turning the steering wheel around to a position where the Univeral Joint is sideways on enabling the bolt and nut to be loosened and then turned around to be correctly fitted and tightened.

 

[D4nny8oy]

All I ever used to do was set the roadwheels straight (which should be done before removing the original column ideally), set the steering wheel straight, then slide the lower part of the column onto the rack pinion. Once it's on, you can turn the steering to an angle where you can fit the bolt easily- it won't jump/slip on the splines with the bolt missing.

 

[scrappydoo]

D4nny8oy, wheels are straight and I was worried the UJ would slip on the spline but now you've reassured me I feel better!

What I might do is raise the front wheel off the ground before turning just to make definitely sure it doesn't slip on the spline!

 

[D4nny8oy]

Nah, believe me, unless someone's prised the UJ wide open, once it's on it won't slip enough to change position.