Bit of white plastic

[Jeff210R]

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

[Wrightpayne]

Its part of the upper steering column bush - the rest of it looks AWOL. 
 

https://caterhamparts.co.uk/columns/47-steering-column-bush.html

[ChrisC]

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.

[Wrightpayne]

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.

[Jeff210R]

[Wrightpayne]

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

 

[bahf]

Precision drilling I see .....

[Wrightpayne]

My thumb nail? No cherry red paperclip after van door incident! It F hurt till the pressure was relieved! 

[Jeff210R]

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

[7 wonders of the world]

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

[Jeff210R]

The lugs must have worn off mine which I suppose is why the bush slipped down the tube.

 

Do these bushes need replacing regularly?

[Wrightpayne]

Once in 23 years on mine! 

[OldAndrewE]

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

[Jeff210R]

Strange. I'll just fit a new top bush andsee how it goes.