I've noticed that my steering wheel has become a bit loose, with sideways movement. So I've just taken the wheel off to have a good look.

And it seems the rod inside the column, that goes through the bearing seems rather loose?

Is this a common thing from using old columns? Is the bearing replaceable?

I've made a small vid, that shows it. (the double ring halfway is the door bell lol)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyAUn75Iss&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Any advice on this would be great.

Cheers

[Edited on 27/1/13 by -matt]

I would say the bearing at the bulkhead end is the problem
Have you got the Sierra rubber one or replaced with a proper bearing for Revolution bearings?

http://nw.rhocar.org/supporting_the_steering_shaft.htm

[Edited on 27/1/13 by snapper]

The upper bearing is very unlikely to have worn to that extent. However, this is exactly what happens if the upper bearing isn't preloaded correctly by the spacer that sits under the steering wheel (which normally operates the self canceling indicator mechanism). When you bolt up the steering wheel, the whole column should be pulled up against the large spring at the bottom of the column. There should also be a small round metal clip with a sort of "L" section that sits underneath the spacer and between the inner bearing race and the column.

These are the parts I am talking about, outlined in green


[Edited on 27/1/13 by MikeRJ]

As already suggested it's more likely to be the bulkhead bush that's worn. It's common to replace with a self aligning bearing , it made a lot of difference to my cay