[Mk2] [Turbo] UPDATE: Modification to: JOINT ASSY, STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL

[mattcambs]

Hi Folks.

I'm undergoing a bit of a project which involves a mod to the steering column. Rumour, nay legend, says that the numb steering feedback from mk2s is caused mainly by the rubber disc in one of the steering universal joints. The UJ which is accessible from the frunk:



Part No. 45230 (see diagram below)

http://www.ayrpark.plus.com/epc/toyota/ ... _1993.html

The two options would be:
1) replace the rubber disc with a steel version
2) take UJ apart, rotate the top half 90deg on the spline and put back together without the rubber, as I'm told the bolt holes line up. Extra spacers would probably be necessary.

The bit that worries me is that the bolts that hold the joint assembly together don't look like they're suppose to be tampered with

Does anyone have an old UJ they can send me?

Can any mechanics offer any advice on the above, especially when it comes to the bolts and the fact that they look like they've been deformed to stop the UJ coming apart (which is sensible, I know!)

Cheers,
Matt

[cantfindausername]

I would say that part will take a lot of vibration, and to replace the rubber with a solid piece will make it really uncomfortable to hold the steering wheel while driving. Yes it would probaly be more sensitive, but at the cost of permanent pins and needles feeling in your arms maybe?

Also, I would think a top end loctite thread locker should do the job if it was to be taken apart and put back together.

Does the BGB not have anything on this?

[mattcambs]

Luthor1 has done this mod by doing option 1 above. He says there is no unwanted vibration through the steering wheel and that it definitely improves the steering feel.

I personally - not being great at car mechanics - have some reservations about taking the UJ apart that's all.

The link in my original post goes to the BGB, but there is not detail on the UJ, which appears to come under a single part number.

[cantfindausername]

Nah thats the EPC, not the BGB

If someone has done it, then we need to really track them down and get feed back from them. Some info on how they did it would be good. I wouldn't mind getting some measurements and getting a btach CNC'd if they'd be a popular mod.

[mattcambs]

Nah thats the EPC, not the BGB

If someone has done it, then we need to really track them down and get feed back from them

Luthor1 [see previous post ]

I wouldn't mind getting some measurements and getting a btach CNC'd if they'd be a popular mod.

My thoughts as well. I'll see if I can get hold of the UJ from somewhere.

[cantfindausername]

If someone has done it, then we need to really track them down and get feed back from them

Luthor1 [see previous post ]

Do you wanna drop him a PM, see if he cares to comment on this subject?

[mattcambs]

we've already been emailing

I'll PM him and see if he wants to comment

As I said above, he simply removed the rubber disc, rotated to the top half of the assembly 90deg and bolted it all back together.

[BLZ-8027]

Ive got one you can have a play with ?
are there any differences between UK or turbo at all?

[cantfindausername]

we've already been emailing

hope its all remained on topic

I'm stripping down a MK2 n/a later this week. I might see if I can have a nose around the UJ, maybe angle grind it out the car to take home or something

[mattcambs]

Ive got one you can have a play with ?
are there any differences between UK or turbo at all?

I don't know? I bet they're the same, though.

Would you be ok posting it to me? I could pay the postage by Paypal?
Cheers

hope its all remained on topic

that would be telling I treat my client's confidentiality with the upmost respect

[BLZ-8027]

Ill dig it out later this week and let you know the cost
PM me an address

[luthor1]

Hi all,

yeah it's a simple mod.

The bolts that are on there will be destroyed in the removal process so just get2 new bolts and nuts, with locking nuts, and washers and loctite.

You can use long bolts and double-nut it for added security if you like.

The spacers you discover in the middle of that assembly are perfect for RE-assembly. It's really simple once it's all apart, but WELL worth performing on a spare unit if possible.

I've sold my car to GERSEN on these boards now, so for pictures, contact him - the mod is going strong and it REALLY does make a huge difference to vagueness!

Andy

[going4the1]

The 'slackness' in the steering shaft can be taken up by addressing the play in the upper universal joint shown in the above link.

By following this you with find the steering response is significantly improved:

http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/ForumsPro/viewtopic/t=81877.html

Also it costs nothing and you don't even need to be mechanically minded.

[mattcambs]

I've read that post before. Very interesting Thanks for posting it.
I'm not sure it's quite what we're talking about here, though, but I'm sure it definitely a problem for some people.

I can say for sure, though, that every MR2 I've driven (probably about 6) has had different weight and feel to the steering.

My car has very solid feeling steering and it doesn't clonk at all. What I'd like to improve is the feedback you get through the wheel once the tyres load up when cornering. There's this sponginess that slurs the detail from the tyres. Being mid-engine, the car is already very light at the front and I think it would benefit from a more precise feel when cornering.

I'm definitely going to check for any float in the column, though

[BLZ-8027]

Ive got one you can have a play with ?
are there any differences between UK or turbo at all?

I don't know? I bet they're the same, though.

Would you be ok posting it to me? I could pay the postage by Paypal?
Cheers

hope its all remained on topic

that would be telling I treat my client's confidentiality with the upmost respect

Packaged ready to post tomorrow mate ,ill send it first class so hopefully you will have it for the weekend to play with

[luthor1]

The 'slackness' in the steering shaft can be taken up by addressing the play in the upper universal joint shown in the above link.

By following this you with find the steering response is significantly improved:

http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/ForumsPro/viewtopic/t=81877.html

Also it costs nothing and you don't even need to be mechanically minded.

That is talking about 'clunking' and although an excellent article, I don't think directly relates to the springy-like sensation we are trying to remove with this mod?

[going4the1]

Yes that is talking about a 'clunk' BUT the by-product of solving that issue is quite clearly a more direct feel to the steering.

The 'free-play' in the steering wheel will be significantly reduced. The overall wear in the steering shaft is more easily addressed by taking up the slack in the upper universal joint as per the article.

[mattcambs]

Packaged ready to post tomorrow mate ,ill send it first class so hopefully you will have it for the weekend to play with

Just received the joint this morning Cheers, really appreciate it A credit to the club (you have pm).

Quick question: how do you remove the joint from the column? Can you just move it along the splines enough to get each end off in turn?

[BLZ-8027]

Packaged ready to post tomorrow mate ,ill send it first class so hopefully you will have it for the weekend to play with

Just received the joint this morning Cheers, really appreciate it A credit to the club (you have pm).

Quick question: how do you remove the joint from the column? Can you just move it along the splines enough to get each end off in turn?

Yes mate undo both bolts as in your picture ,and slide it up or down ,i cant remember which ? and it will come off one end

[cantfindausername]

I was lucky enough to pull a spare from a car I was striping on Thursday last week so will be playing around with this too. Looks simple enough. Would be interested to see how you go about moding yours.

And yes, to get it off, you can just undo the clamping bolts and slide it up the splines.