steering column

[Peetee]

Just replaced the steering rack and now the column moves up and down (towards the rack, not vertically) about 1/4 inch.
It's a bit unnerving
Any ideas?

[rayofleamington]

How tight is the clamp bolt at the bottom of the column?
If it is not tight enough you would get about that much movement - if the bolt comes out completely you can slide it right off the steering rack splines (not to be tested whilst driving!!)

[Willie]

there is a groove in the pinion splines and the column clamp bolt
is supposed to pass through it,in fact it should be impossible to insert
the bolt unless the groove is properly aligned with the clamp bolt holes.
once the bolt is inserted the assembly should be pretty movement free
even before you do up the clamp nut. I say 'should be impossible' but
my car had the groove incorrectly aligned and some bright spark had
smashed the bolt through anyway. Probably with a 7lb hammer, so don't
take anything for granted.

[Willie]

If the above does not apply in your case then disengage the column
from the pinion and check the end float on the pinion. There should
be between 2 to 5 thou" maximum. If there is too much play then
remove the 'tail bearing' which is on the lower end of the pinion and
remove shims until the required end float is obtained. If this is not
correct when ALL of the shims have been removed then the thrust
washers on either end of the pinion are badly worn or missing.