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I'm trying to finish up my Steeroids install.... and I ran into an issue.
The linkage from the steering column and the new rack is about 2 inches short.
I've been in contact with Tim at Speed Direct, and he's telling me that my Steering column has collapsed. He said to put on my old rag joint and hammer it back out. He says my column is unlike the other thousands that they've sold solutions for....
You all....it doesn't sound or feel right. This car has never been in an accident so I'm not why I need to do this.
Can anyone offer up some advice or guidance
One solution offered is buy a longer rod to attach the linkage and rack.
Anyone?
I've looked at a few diagrams and I'm not sure if my car has such a thing as a collapsible column.
Ugh.... with the column out of the car..... I'm shaking my head for "bolt on kit"..... Why is it always me?
I know the car has not been in an accident so the other question is how did it collapse?
Oh, one other comment for consideration. Above document mentions what if the column doesn't meet up..... I can confirm that the existing manual linkage all match up. IE The rag joints do meet there is no issue there.
Anyone have an opinion of just buying the longer connection rod and leaving it as is? Save the extraction of the steering column for the next owner.
Well, if the column was physically linked to the steering box, and you removed the box to install the Steeroids - then I'd have to say that the column had not collapsed and that Speed Direct owed you the longer shaft since they didn't kit you appropriately.
That's where I'm at as well. All the linkage matched up perfectly, no bending or pulling.... I have no interest in pulling the column out an buying another one for 900 bucks for a bolt on kit to work. Or just taking it out..... Appreciate your response partner.
Did you remove a Borgeson box to install the Steeroids? I couldn't get mine to collapse until I took the column out of the car. I was able to booger up the splines trying, though. Below is a photo at about the correct Borgeson length, while I was fixing the splines. I overshot, and pulled it back out a bit, probably with Vise-Grips and a small hammer, but possibly by putting the old rag joint back on as they suggest.
It's a 20 minute job to pull the column, after you've done it once or twice. No reason not to do it. I wish I had from the start. Replace the lower column bushing while you are in there, it's almost certainly toast, if you didn't just replace it.
Thanks all for the advice, and photos,.... I appreciate the support as always. I'll give the vice grips and old rag joint a try, if it doesn't budge I'll remove the column.
Well, I did it.... took the advice from you all, pulled the column. Put some PB Blaster down the shaft and tapped the inner shaft out to 4 & 3/4..... Took me me an hour or so to attach the steeroids connection. Took it for a quick test drive.... actually, I told my wife to take it for a quick test drive...lol.... Almost zero play in it..... Super excited about that. Now I need to get the alignment done and pray to the Oregon Sun Gods so I can get out and drive it. Thank you all for your help.
Jimbo
Collapsible Column and Steeroids
