Steering wheel play

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Frenchie_SCG
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Joined: 28 Sep 2004, 17:06
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Steering wheel play

Post by Frenchie_SCG »

Hello,
Theres a bit of play in a steering wheel on my Xantia, like when i hold it on top i can push it toward the windscreen, and it pushes back again. Its annoying when turning on a junction I can feel it vibrating... Got any clues?
'98. Xantia 1.9 TD
6 Spheres, a/c
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Clogzz
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Post by Clogzz »

Probably that someone has fiddled and the steering wheel lock nut is not fully home and will need tightening.
That would be for the good news.
The bad news is if the upper bearing is worn or damaged.
There are also rare instances of the universal joints on the steering column working loose.

First step would be to remove the airbag to see what the nut is doing.
Move the steering wheel to 90 degrees with engine running and power steering operating, so as to be able to reach the airbag mounting screws.
Disconnect the battery, and after 10 minutes, unscrew the airbag from behind the steering wheel.
Pull the orange airbag plug outwards, and put the bag out of harm's way, handling it carefully.
Now you can see the nut, and move the wheel to see where the slop is.
2002 C5 2.0i AL4 230,000 km 76372389
Frenchie_SCG
Posts: 16
Joined: 28 Sep 2004, 17:06
Location: Yugoslavia
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Post by Frenchie_SCG »

I forgot to mention- it doesn't have an airbag. :)
I'll check for the nut as soon as i can, thanks!!
So if that upper bearing is worn, is it dificult job replacing it?
'98. Xantia 1.9 TD
6 Spheres, a/c
paulbx
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Loose lock nut

Post by paulbx »

Had same on my old BX - just tighten up locknut
Broomie(paulB) Xantia Hdi 90 estate
Frenchie_SCG
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Post by Frenchie_SCG »

Just checked the locknut, and its tight... the whole threaded rod is moving. Bearing?
'98. Xantia 1.9 TD
6 Spheres, a/c
Peter.N.
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Post by Peter.N. »

Probably the clamp on the universal joint is loose.
Stewart(oily)
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Post by Stewart(oily) »

On a BX the same problem was the bottom shaft bearing had slid down out of the column tube, allowing the wheel to wobble, all I needed to do was to push it back up! check for this fault before any dismantling.
Stewart
BXs since 1993 built 1.9 TZD turbo, got a S2 Xantia estate, brilliant car! 2013, Xantia HDI LX 110 2000 new car with 122,000, l C2 HDI Rusty rocket, C3 Picasso HDI new to me.
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