Steering U-Joints Options

[aylanco]

Hi All,

My new-to-me '73 2.0 is in need of the Turbo tie rods for sure, but I am a little suspect about the steering u-joints under the dash. They seem tight when I grab or wiggle them, but if I turn the wheel I can feel (and hear) them undulate. They just feel a bit sloppy when turning the wheel.

I have seen almost nothing discussed about them, have not seen anything in books/manuals other than identifying them, and have not seen them offered in parts catalogs. I know the Rodders use them and they are available that way BUT....does anyone have any insight on the maintenance and or replacement of these? I know I should do the tie rods first but is this u-joint problem a common occurence?

BTW, this 914 is too cool. I have hardly driven my other cars since I got this!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mueba.gif)

[KenH]

Jack the car up so the front wheels are not on the ground. Then see if the steering still feels bad.

Also the U-joints are not linear and the 2 must be alingned propelry or the steer wheel will feel like it is going "over center" - not rotating smoothly.

Look under the dash you should not see any slopp in the joints as the steering wheel is moved back & forth.

Just some thougths

Ken