noisy steering felt bearing

Post by **Pascal** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 4:13 pm

The top felt bearing on my steering column makes noise when I turn the wheel. Should I impregnate it with thin oil (like 3 in 1) or should I replace it?

Regards

Post by **Willie** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:14 pm

Oil it.

Post by **Dominic** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 7:34 am

If you replace it, soak it in a heavy oil (such as EP90 for the rear axle) for a while first.

Post by **Onne** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:13 am

I wouldn't use EP90 though, then your car will smell as if a cat used it as a litter box

Post by **Pascal** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:29 am

I've got some gear oil for my scooter in the shed, I'll give it a good sniff to see if it smells better

Post by **dunketh** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 11:05 am

Mine makes a noise like a wookie whining.

Sounds like someone pulling chewbaccas nuts every time I turn a corner.

Post by **Pascal** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 11:13 am

That's very much it. Does the noise come from the top of the steering column? If I put my finger on the column I can feel a weak vibration in rythm with the noise.

Post by **Pascal** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:13 pm

By the way can anybody tell me the size of the steering wheel nut so that I can buy the right socket? It's hard to measure when it's in the wheel.

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:29 pm

1 5/16 AF, same {I'm told) as a Mini. 33 mm does it too. Both these on the assumption that you have a series V car.

Post by **Judge** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 8:08 am

Onne wrote:I wouldn't use EP90 though, then your car will smell as if a cat used it as a litter box

We have two cats, and I can vouch for that

Post by **Pascal** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:52 pm

Aaargh! Been pulling and knocking but the steering wheel wouldn't come off

After a while it's the whole steering column that came my way (though by just a few mm). So I tried to pour some oil in the gap but it didn't make much difference (not sure it made its way to the bush).

Any smart tip on removing the steering wheel from the column?

Post by **bigginger** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:17 pm

I've HAD to resort to a rubber mallet before now, but do beware of breaking the wheel if you try one. I hope somebody else has a magic trick - I'd like to know too...

Post by **Onne** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 12:32 am

I used a hub puller and some carfully placed padding

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 6:16 am

Loosen the nut - but don't remove it - then smart blows from below. If you take the nut off, the wheel jumps up and hits you in the face.

Post by **bigginger** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 1:40 pm

I *think* we've said that before - was working on the assumption that it had been tried