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steering column play

Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:38 pm
by xrad
My steering column moves in and out about 5-7mm when I pull -push hard on it...(steering wheel is tight)


Something needs some work??????

Re: steering column play

Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 1:54 pm
by AlfaTipo
Couple of things to check.

Does the horn still work? If yes, that is good.

There is a rubber bushing that holds the steering column together to reduce vibration through the wheel. A flexible strap jumps this insulator. It is likely the only thing stopping the column from separating when you pull on it is this strap. When it breaks the horn stops working.

The column could separate at this point and leave you with no steering.

There are a number of posts here and AlfaBB.com about it.

Never looked into the problem but one of my cars has the 'adjustable' column feature.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 9:12 am
by xrad
thanks will check.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 9:44 am
by xrad
Anybody put a milano rack into gtv6??


straight fit or major issues??

I am thinking NON-power rack with power steering feedback loops as described by Greg Gordon on his website (but his rack went into a milano)


Thanks

Re: steering column play

Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 11:16 am
by AlfaTipo
Gearge Graves who hangs out on the Alfa Digest has the Milano rack, not sure if he did it himself. Uses the powered steering and loves it.

Don't have Mr. Graves email but you can join the digest if you aren't already a member.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 12:44 am
by PietereQ
xrad wrote:Anybody put a milano rack into gtv6??


Thanks
YES.

Not a super straightforward job. You'll need milano column as as the splines on ps and non ps racks differ alot. Plus with milano rack you get the telescopic adjustment which is somwehat useful on italian cars :D
The conversion itself, of ps rack to manual is super easy just take a look at line connections on Greg's site.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 6:46 am
by AlfaTipo
You'll need milano column as as the splines on ps and non ps racks differ alot. Plus with milano rack you get the telescopic adjustment which is somwehat useful on italian cars
I picked up a Milano rack a coupe of years ago, didn't realize I needed the damn column as well.

Do the GTV6 light/turn signal switches still work with it?

Re: steering column play

Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 1:57 am
by PietereQ
AlfaTipo wrote:
Do the GTV6 light/turn signal switches still work with it?
Honestly I didn't care, as this is for racer - I'm gonna use milano switches. However depending on your creativity, I'm sure you can mate gtv6 column with the ps rack - just need to find a good machine shop that will be up to the job. Again in my case I just went the easiest way, and swapped rack and column.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:30 pm
by xrad
Thanks guys. I found a good rack for gtv6. just have to locate the column play.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 8:47 pm
by MR2 Zig
check that the rack pinion isnt moving in and out....I had a rack go bad because the adjuster on the back side of the pinion broke off. IIRC it moved in and out.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:56 am
by xrad
thanks 2 zig. I will check.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 1:15 am
by mjr
x rad before you go tearing into it looking for the play, check the pinch bolt on the steering knuckle, next to the clutch pedal. It being loose just half a turn is enough to create the play.

Re: steering column play

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 2:55 pm
by xrad
thanks! will check