Steering column plastic cover and joint

[ian010778 22]

Hey everybody, how're y'all doing?

 

Does anyone have any advice on how to get this joint apart please? The blue plastic cover disintegrated when I cleaned it up while fitting the front subframe at the weekend so I need to split this joint, replace the cover and feed the steering column through the boot before re-fitting the clamp and bolt.

 

I've dislocated the little tab but I can't free the steering column.

 

Thanks all

 

 

Ian.

 

[Ozymandis 103]

Do You mean that You want to disconnect the lower steering column from the rack`s splined pinion shaft?

 

If so:  Remove the M8 clamp bolt from the split clamp on the pinion end, slacken the M8 clamp bolt under the column by the drivers knees. Now tap a wedge such as a cold chisel into the gap of the pinions split clamp to ease its hold, then whack the bottom of the clamp upwards with a drift driving the lower column into the car.

 

Its simple as You have access in that photo, a bit more difficult to access on a built up car.

 

I have no idea what blue plastic part or which tab  You mention.

[ian010778 22]

On 8/20/2025 at 10:55 AM, Ozymandis said:

Do You mean that You want to disconnect the lower steering column from the rack`s splined pinion shaft?

 

If so:  Remove the M8 clamp bolt from the split clamp on the pinion end, slacken the M8 clamp bolt under the column by the drivers knees. Now tap a wedge such as a cold chisel into the gap of the pinions split clamp to ease its hold, then whack the bottom of the clamp upwards with a drift driving the lower column into the car.

 

Its simple as You have access in that photo, a bit more difficult to access on a built up car.

 

I have no idea what blue plastic part or which tab  You mention.

Thanks Jay - all sorted now; I discovered that the pinion is notched to take the clamp bolt and I had left the nut and bolt loosely in place for safe keeping.

 

Once I'd fully removed the bolt it came off really easy :-)

 

The blue plastic is part number 4042 18 'Protector' but they look to be a bit rare. I've found this guy selling a bag full (but I only need 1) and the postage is pretty hefty too! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273872169056

 

 

Ian.