Aluminum steering bushing install question

[wangan_cruiser]

hello zilvians. im working on replacing my steering bushing from the rod to the steering rack. im wonderin if theres anyway not to pull out the steering column? or do you really have to pull it out to replace it? im not cutting corners but just looking for another option to get this thing over with.


anyone had done this?


im waiting any helpful replies back as i will check this thread every 5 mins


thanks

[Brian]

Me too.

I bought one not too long ago and it's just sitting around for now...

[wangan_cruiser]

lol i know how it feels.


i bought mine like 2 months ago before christmas. its been sitting but been busy. cant find the time but now i have one.


sheessh....i have 2-4mm play on my steering wheel. not safe. i want to get over this then i could get an alignment.

[sac]

I never looked closely at my steering rack on the s14. I have personally changed them on a s13..Yeah.. major pain in the ass just to eliminate a STUPID design!

Do you need this for the s14? I am assuming no.. But i could be wrong...

[Brian]

the 14 doesn't have it.

[wangan_cruiser]

its for s13


sorry i forgot that part.



i doubt that itll be pain in the ass to replace it.


i personally dont.


its just that stupid alarm wiring is on the way everything is spliced and i cant disconnect them. i can chop them off then splice it again but im looking if theres another way to remove the whole thing without me cutting those wires. if its just the stock ignition wire itll be easy.



red - wiring ignition
green - splice from the alarm wire
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/neozmc24/Picture002-1.jpg

its only like 7 bolts to pull it out.


im thinking just putting it back since u need to align the steering spline steering rack.

[projectRDM]

It's way easier to do it with the column out but I have done one while it was still in. I'd at least pull the exhaust manifold out of your way if you're going to try it that way, gives a lot more room.

[ixfxi]

It's way easier to do it with the column out but I have done one while it was still in. I'd at least pull the exhaust manifold out of your way if you're going to try it that way, gives a lot more room.

russ is right, you want a LOT of stuff out of the way when you tackle that job.

I did it back when my car was running in stripped mode (no dash and overall gutted car). i ended up removing the column from the dash support and from the firewall. if you can remove the above, then you're fine.

if you're going from the bottom, good luck. i imagine you've got a lot of shit to move.

edit: it would be a good idea to cleanup that RATS NEST of alarm wiring under your dash, its probably a good source of electrical problems if you have any (or will have any in the future). i also advise having a friend, because re-connecting the column will be a bitch if you're alone. It really helps if you've got a helping hand. mark the column or go for an alignment and have them re-center the wheel.

[wangan_cruiser]

thanks for all the input!


yea i know ill need an extra set of hands to get it back.

[slider2828]

Hey Wangan I need to do this too.... Can you help me and I help you on this?

[wangan_cruiser]

sure i can help.


my days off is thursday and fri. if u want we need to set up a firm date so i cant plan my days early.


i usually plan out my days 2 weeks ahead.


im currently workin on it right now.

[boozels]

It is a pain in the ass to change.
I don't think you will be able to change it without taking out the steering coloumn.
You need some small wrenches to be able to get and loosen/tighten the bolts for the spacer because it is a tight fit iirrc.
then aligning the steering column is a pita.
An extra set of hands is a must.
Good luck

[240sxScores]

I did this myself. Pulled the entire steering column. What a PITA getting it out then back in and lining all the holes up and BS. I took a few pic's of the column while i had it out. If anybody wants to see.

[stinky_180]

i thought it was pretty simple and straight forward to install th is little piece of metal. theres like 6-8 bolts holding the column inside the cabin. a few harness connectors need to be disconnected. its quite simple....