Technical Steering column bush

[capers626]

Hi all,

I've recently replaced the top steering column bush on my Uno due to excessive play and an loud rattle travelling over speed bumps. Bought a pair of bushes on eBay a while ago which were described as non-genuine Fiat but manufactured to OEM standard.

After fitting the bush the play had gone but the steering is now incredibly heavy and doesn't correct itself automatically after changing direction. Mechanic said the bush is too tight and unlikely to wear in with time.

Thinking I would have to get an original dealer part instead I ordered one but it turns out that the bush is made in France (as also commonly used for some French cars), and appears to be identical (same ref no and markings) to the first one.

Here's hoping the replacement does the trick and the other was a dud

Any thoughts or advice?

Cheers,
Andy

 

[rawill]

No advice here, but do let us know.
I have been chasing a rattle in my car, it may be what you are trying to fix.

1984 Uno here.

 

[alexGS]

Perhaps you can take the column shaft out (steering lock off) and use some fine sandpaper (say, 240 grit dry) to enlarge the hole in the bush slightly?

I know it sounds like a bodge, but the fact remains that the hole is fractionally too small, and sanding it would make it slightly larger. To be really thorough you would then use 400 and 800 grit paper to make it super-smooth, but with most slightly-soft plastics it would wear itself in nicely anyway once it is the right size.

A bit of silicone grease wouldn't hurt either, when you reassemble.

-Alex