Mk4 escort xr3i steering column plastic bushes

[daveyh]

Hi Fellas,

Anyone had any experience in changing the 2 plastic bushes that normally snap in the mk4 escort steering column.
The haynes is not really that clear, just wondering if anyone has any hints or tips on changing them.



Many thanks Dave

[rapidyellow]

I have done them in the past

Remove steering wheel and cowlings, possibly stalks too.

Undo the column where it mounts to the bulkhead, pull the outer column up over the steering wheel shaft then change the bushes.

Back together reverse of above.

[daveyh]

Thanks for that, i am going to attempt it in the next few days, just waiting for the bearing that goes at the top under the steering wheel to arrive from Ford, thought i might as well do it all while i have it apart.

[frag]

I've done this job but a very long time ago,
I think cone shaped bush fits onto column shaft,tapered part goes into bottom of column tube and has a keyway to stop it spinning,its spring loaded too I think from memory....?

If you take note when stripping it I don't think you'll have any problems.

Seem to think you may want to refit and tighten steering wheel before tightening the nuts that hold column secure,just to compress everything into position ?

[daveyh]

Thanks for the replies

[daveyh]

Just a bit of an update, thanks for the replies, i did this this morning, i changed the 2 plastic bushes at the bottom of the column as mine were trashed, i also ordered a new bearing and tolerance ring for the top from Ford so thought i would change those to while it was all apart. The haynes states that you have to drill out the shear bolt from the steering lock and remove from the tube to change the bearing, but i managed to get the bearing out fine with everything still attached to the tube and then tap the new one in with a 22mm socket, all went back together fine and the difference is amazing a lot nicer to drive.
Was pretty straight forward i just took my time, the trickiest bit was lining up the little bit that sticks out on the lower plastic bush with the slot on the tube could of done with an extra pair of hands, but as Frag said tighten up the steering wheel a little first and it pulls everything into place as long as it's lined up correctly i also found it easier to whip the drivers seat out to get good access as i am not small.

The plastic tolerance ring was 60p + the vat and the finis 6147076
The bearing was 6.38 + the vat and the finis for that 6147075
Both bits were ordered in from my local Ford dealer and were next day.
The plastic bushes for the bottom i got off ebay.

Just in case anyone needs to do the same

Cheers Dave