Jeff210R Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 Can somebody tell me what is the bit of white plastic on my steering column?! I've just noticed it although it may always have been there but wonder whether it should be pushed back in?Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 Its part of the upper steering column bush - the rest of it looks AWOL. https://caterhamparts.co.uk/columns/47-steering-column-bush.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 Its the plastic sleeve in the steering column bush. It's just a push fit, but be careful not to push it all the way through, or you will have to remove the metal / rubber element of the bush to extract it. Have a look here, about 1/2 way down the page https://caterham420detailedbuildblog.co.uk/2020/01/29/steering-column/Thought it looked broken to begin with, but looks ok on closer inspection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 The column will need to come out to re insert the sleeve into the bush. It has a split and needs collapsing slightly to insert into the bush.I cannot see the rest of the bush - I suspect it has come adrift and gone inside. The bushes have a 'pip' top and bottom that locate in holes in the dash tube. I use a liberal squirt of brake cleaner to lubricate/ease them in which then evaporates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff210R Posted August 12, 2021 Author Share Posted August 12, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 Jeff,Here is a used spare I have. You will see the plastic sleeve/bearing has two tabs which locate inside the metalastic bush to 'trap' it in the correct location once the column is in. Yours looks like one of the tabs has broken off.Also, I think the metalastic bush has slipped inside on yours. It cannot be abandoned in there (by inserting a new one from the top) as may jam against the column tube / steering lock.Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bahf Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 Precision drilling I see ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 My thumb nail? No cherry red paperclip after van door incident! It F hurt till the pressure was relieved! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff210R Posted August 16, 2021 Author Share Posted August 16, 2021 Thanks Chris and Ian. I've replaced the old damaged sleeve temporarily but will order a new bush for when it works loose. The bushes don't seem to have prominent lugs to locate them and are therefore prone to shifting?! Do they need regular replacement? My car's only done 5000 mls! The bottom sleeve did pop out Chris btw and your tip to use a skt worked a treat. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 the bushes have a pair of rubber lugs that locate in slots in the column tube at 6 and 12 o'clock, just fitted a pair today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff210R Posted August 17, 2021 Author Share Posted August 17, 2021 The lugs must have worn off mine which I suppose is why the bush slipped down the tube. Do these bushes need replacing regularly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 Once in 23 years on mine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 I cannot see the lugs wearing off, no movement of bush in dash rail to cause wear. Perhaps someone found it difficult to fit and cut the lugs off to make it easier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff210R Posted August 20, 2021 Author Share Posted August 20, 2021 Strange. I'll just fit a new top bush andsee how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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