Steering column joint

[Alan W]

When under my car the other day I was looking for any obvious issues when I came accross something I'm unsure of.

At the bottom end of the steering column there is a coupling / universal joint which coneects the column to the steering rack shaft.

Whilst there was no counter rotating play or movement there is some up and down play in the coupling ie. if I hold the bottom of the column and move it up and down (12 o'clock/six o'clock - sky to ground) the shaft will move and it is visually clear that the play is in the coupling.

Is this normal?

[Southernboy]

There are 2 steering column bearings..the upper which is plastic # 32311158835
and a lower bearing of steel # 32311158686
You need to check these are not worn / damaged etc...I don't think the column should move around in any direction except circular when turning the S/wheel...
Check out the set-up / position on realoem...

[Deano1712]

I think Alan is talking about the lower steering shaft, not the column. There is a rubber joint within the lower shaft that has some compliance to it. Maybe its that that is moving. Are the upper and lower joints fastened tight onto the shaft? I cant imagine what part of the shaft is moving. With a single flex joint within a shaft connected to fixed elemets at each end (column and rack) nominally there should be no movement.

[Southernboy]

He specifically says there is vertical movement in the coupling...so I must assume he is referring to the column..??