So, following a few trips out, I’ve noticed a bit more play in the steering – not a lot, but certainly a bit more than there was.

With the Mrs moving the wheel left and right, it proved to be in the lower column UJ where one joint seems to be more worn than the rest.

Removal of the lower column proved to be interesting – in the end, I removed the rack securing clamps and moved it away forwards then use a bit of rebar and a hammer to separate the splined joint at the top of the column and lifted the offending piece up and out of the top, easier said than done on a LHD car…

After stripping it all down, I put everything in the ultrasonic bath to clean things up, using a mix of engine cleaner, Teepol and water. And heat of course…

It seems there are two worn nylon bushes and a broken spring washer. Next job, find spares or, have a new set of bushes made up locally from Delron or similar at our local workshop.

The rubber joint at the top of the column seems to be fine – no cracking or deterioration of the bonding. I’ll strip this and replace the bolts and seizing wire before it all goes back together.

More to come when I have news…