Can Anyone recommend a fix for a sticky steering wheel. I just replaced the two rubber/plastic bushings in the upper steering column. I added what I thought was appropriate grease/lubricant, but the wheel seems to stick at the "start" of a turn...especially if the car has sat for a bit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You in Advance

Mark,
San Rafael, CA

Submitted by mverwiel@wm.com on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 17:42

Thank You Phil, Dick, and Howard. It worked. The very fine sandpaper that is. Note that each bushing was sized differentlyl, hence a separate dowell was necessary.

With respect to the horn contact. Does this need to be flush with the beveled end of the shaft. Mine seems to be pushed all the way flush and a portion of the plastiis seal/rotor is now exposed. The contact of the copper tongure is now rubbing on the casteled portion of the coper housing. Seems worng to me. Any thoughts

Submitted by phil19564@1usa.com on Sun, 06/05/2011 - 19:59

We have found that some plastic bushings are a bit too small in the inside diameter. You can get a short 1" diameter wood dowel (broom handle), and wrap self adhesive fine sandpaper around it and gently twist/sand the hole opening. Since your shaft is out, you can test your progress on each end. Testing each first will show if one, both or none are too tight and sticking. Be careful of the copper horn contact that gets in the way.

Phil.

Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Sun, 06/05/2011 - 17:11

Improperly sized bushings will do that. They are made of nylon and if set up to tight, will grab onto the shaft causing the symptom you mention. Lubrication is a temporary fix. The bushings come slightly undersize and need to be trimmed once installed for the best fit.

Submitted by howardbollinge… on Sun, 06/05/2011 - 13:06

Mark, I too had replaced the bushings and the upper u-joint under the dash and it didn't help. I think the lower joint fix with WD and then oil solved rust buildup in the joint from pressure washing suspension etc,
The stickiness always got worse in the summer when it was hotter and the parts expanded but thank God it's fixed now. HB

Submitted by mverwiel@wm.com on Sun, 06/05/2011 - 11:13

Thank You Howard. I actually have the entire column out now. I think I will replace the u-joint as I have a spare on hand. I did just replace the upper u-joint (along with bushings). I guess I was also wondering if there was a standard lubricant for the bushing....as the upper column, now out, sticks as well.

Mest,

Mark, San Rafael

Submitted by howardbollinge… on Sat, 06/04/2011 - 23:37

Mark, My steering wheel would stick as I would be cruising in a straight line and was bothersome as could be. It was just not free to move on it's own. My old mechanic in Cincinnati suggested the lower steering column u-joint could be the culprit. I sprayed it first with WD40, left it soak in a few days and then put a good dose of 30 weight oil on it. That did the job. The steering now floats freely and does not have that "sticking" feel.

Submitted by howardbollinge… on Sat, 06/04/2011 - 23:36

Mark, My steering wheel would stick as I would be cruising in a straight line and was bothersome as could be. It was just not free to move on it's own. My old mechanic in Cincinnati suggested the lower steering column u-joint could be the culprit. I sprayed it first with WD40, left it soak in a few days and then put a good dose of 30 weight oil on it. That did the job. The steering now floats freely and does not have that "sticking" feel.