RE: Steering wheel column rattle?

["Curry, Rene" <Rene@sineco.com>]

Martin,
When you tightened the bolt through the splined coupling that attaches
to the steering gear box did you have someone pushing down on the
steering column while you pushed the spline coupling down and tightened
it?   The steering column is spring loaded to keep constant tension on
the rod assembly that connects the steering gearbox to the steering
column.  I understand that the correct setting is to push the steering
wheel all the way down until it bottoms and back it off about 1/8" then
push the splined coupling down towards the gearbox and tighten it.  Also
forgot to tell you to inspect the bushings that are on the rod assembly.
 I'm an Audi newbie, but I recently changed my steering rack and used
this method.  This Quattro list is a wealth of information, so if
anything I said is noted to be incorrect, listen to them and all
disclaimers apply.
 
Best of luck,
Rene Curry
Grosse Ile, Michigan
84 Audi 5000 "Turbo" 
71 Chevelle "Beater"
96 GMC Safari "Embarrassed"

> Martin Said, 
>Hi, guys. I replaced my rack with a rebuild from Jorgen yesterday, instead
>of beer it took lots of coffee. While I am dealing with the steering, I want
>to see about the rattle in the steering column, close to the steering wheel.
>We drive lots of rough dirt and gravel roads around here, and the rattle is
>most annoying!  I suspect that the column bearing is worn out, but I have
>never seen any posts on this. Are there any BTDT? Thanks, Martin "86 5KCSTQ
>5spd
>