Replacing lower steering shaft universal joint.

[vray]

The lower steering shaft universal joint on my disco 94 is stripped and needs replacing. Does anyone have any experience doing this job? After a bit of tinkering, there does not seem to be enough play in the system to allow me to release the shaft to replace the lower joint.

RAVE says I need remove the steering wheel, but this does not seem like it will withdraw the shaft to allow for the lower shaft to be released. Or will it? Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[XCELLER8]

I had to loosen the steering box to get mine off of my '98......how much does it lack from coming apart ?

 

[vray]

I got it out, very tight but you can slide the shaft up towards the bulkhead and it gives enough room to maneuver it out...

 

[Va_Disco]

when I replaced my steering box a few months ago I had to remove both bolts from the lower u-joint and pry it open top and bottom (at slit where the bolts go) to get it to slide up enough to get it free from the steering box. also would help if you clean the shaft your trying to slide it up.

 

[Va_Disco]

remember that while the u-joint is off, don't let the steering wheel spin. you will destroy the cassette if it does move a lot.

 

[vray]

when I replaced my steering box a few months ago I had to remove both bolts from the lower u-joint and pry it open top and bottom (at slit where the bolts go) to get it to slide up enough to get it free from the steering box. also would help if you clean the shaft your trying to slide it up.

Yes, this is the battle I am facing. The u joint is loose but wont slide off the steering box. Not sure what to do, pondering cutting it off with a dremel as i don't want to do damage to the steering box trying to force it off. Open to suggestions...

 

[discostew]

It's just all rusted together. It will move but you need a long prybar. Once you get it moving soak it with something good like PB Blaster, WD40, whatever you got. With both bolts out it's gonna slide.

 

[benlittle]

There's really no magic to this. Remove the nut/bolt and spray with PB. I agree, get a prybar in there or a drift/ hammer.

 

[vray]

I ended up cutting it off It was not going to slide off no matter what I did...... Thanks for all the help.

 

[discostew]

I was thinking I should have told you if you take the bolt out of the upper mounting it helps. The shaft can move into the upper shaft and make a little more room. But cutting it works.