play in the steering column

Hi to all,

On my Dino 246 I have some play in the steering wheel and I suspect the column itself to be responsible. The universal joint are OK, no play, the rack and ball joint seem also OK.

The column is made up of two axis, as seen on this picture, and it seems that there is some abnormal play between this two axis. (Few degrees on the steering wheel)

What is your experience about this play ?

Thanks

Regis
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I have just rebuilt my rack using the superformance bushes and set the preloads to remove all the play. I would suggest your rack is the problem as my rack was shot and the part in your pics was fine on my 38,000 mile car. It is very difficult to determine the reason off the car due to the forces involved. I have had to fit and remove the rack a few times to get it just right.

 

There should be no play, it should be a smooth and continuous feeling.
One of the joys of driving a Dino is the driver feedback from the steering, especially if you have a Momo Prototipo installed (Note: not period correct but the right diameter...)


I'll bet the fit depends on the two halves' alignment.
Try fitting the splined shaft into the receiver, check the play, pull it out and rotate a few degrees then try again. If you have play then I'll bet you reduce it by trial-and-error of finding a good combination.

This splined sections on mine had been frozen together and upon finally separating them I found that the splines were so tight that they would only fit together one way and even then not slide freely! I chased the splines to clean them up, used a good grease and was happy at the resulting smooth action.
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Thanks for this answer, as explained I will try to rotate the splined shaft into the receiver, to check if the play is smaller in a given position