steering column bushes

[stephenvincent]

Is it possible to replace the rubber bushes without removing the inner column. Does the outer column come off and leave the inner in place? 1969 S4.

[JonB]

When I did mine I had the whole column off the car. I think it'd be very difficult with the column in situ. Inner column definitely has to come out. Otherwise, how would you slide the bush into position?

[Ray419G]

I did the job on my S4, it was a long time ago, but I am sure you can't replace the bushes with the inner column in place. The inner column is in two parts, there is a clamp joint down by the base of the outer column, in the foot well. If you undo this joint the upper part of the inner and outer column can be removed together. I don't think it's possible to remove the outer and leave the inner in place - unless someone on this site has managed it and can tell us how!
Ray.

[baileyman]

I remember getting the new bush in the hardest job of all! But the memory of how to put it in has been banished for psychological reasons. John

[DamianB]

In case it helps, I replaced mine ('67 S3) recently using the uprated bushes https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-209423UR from Rimmer Bros

I followed the advice from the forum and silicone greased the new bushes, constrained them inside a jubilee/hose clip and pushed them into place with a suitably sized socket on an extension bar. They went in with no trouble at all. Together with a new UJ to the rack, they made my steering so much more direct.

[lotusposition]

Just wondering...At what sort of age/mlieage would you expect to benefit from new bushes ?

[RichardHawkins]

Lotus position,

When I bought my S4 Elan, it was 11years old with 55000 miles on the clock. The bushes were completely shot, as was most of the car. Replacement bushes did not produce a decent result. I had the shaft hard chrome plated and ground to fit the bushes.

Hope this helps,

Richard Hawkins

[stephenvincent]

Guys, thank you for all of your responses. I might investigate alternative bushes for the steering column.
Thanks