[DeTomaso] steering column

[Freddy Henningsen]

Mike thanks for the information) you are always so informative and helpful. I will try to disassemble this.
just have to say again that you guys are amazing :) there's no other car brands in the world that has a forum with just helpful and pleasant car owners :)

Freddy
7207
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: MikeLDrew at aol.com 
  To: fredhen at online.no ; detomaso at poca.com 
  Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 3:00 AM
  Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] steering column



  In a message dated 3/21/13 8 48 41, fredhen at online.no writes:



    Hey is there anyone who can have such a steering column in good condition
    lying around that they would like to sell to me?? on my both welds are
    broken off where the support is, and that's pretty much slack in both up and
    down, right and left.
    I very much appreciate it if anyone has one to sell me,
    then I do not feel I'm able to overhaul the one I have: (


  >>>You should definitely try to save the one you have.  I have a brand new one that I could sell you, but it wouldn't be cheap. :<(

  What you're actually talking about is the tube that supports the steering shaft, and not the shaft itself.  There are two pieces welded to this tube, as seen in this photo:

  http://www.poca.com/index.php/gallery/?g2_itemId=39135

  The steering wheel would be on the left, and steering rack etc. on the right.  The smaller of the two clamps is held to the tube with just a single spot weld, and it is very VERY common for that weld to break.

  (Everybody else--go out in the garage and tug and pull up and down and side to side on your steering wheel.  Chances are it will have unwanted movement and if you kneel down and peer under the dash, you'll see the tube moving freely away from the clamp).

  What you should do is remove the assembly, take it apart, and seam-weld it.  However, be advised that there is a nylon bushing inside the tube which will turn into a molten pile of goo when you do this, so you need to have a replacement oillite (oil-impregnated brass) bushing before you get too crazy with the welder.  They are sold by Pantera Performance Center; I have a small stock in my inventory so I could supply you with one, which I sell at my cost from them.

  I will send you an article I wrote a few years back that details all the things you can do to fix this, and other related problems with the steering system, not directly involving the steering rack.

  Cheers!

  Mike