Hello Forum,

this is my first time here, and I would appreciate any advice on the following.

I have a question regarding the steering shaft. After removal of the steering wheel (had to tap on the back side with a rubber mallet to get it out) for access to electrical issues. Upon reinstallation and tighteningif I pull up on the sterring wheel it will lift about a 1/2", the horn will not work in this position, although the sterring is engaging in either position. I am sure the spindle is well seated on the steering wheel, Do you guys think I have broken this shaft or do I need to be concerned.
I have iwo 1985 GS models and the other car does not have that lift play in the wheel or steering shaft.
Thank you

Respectfully,

Rogue12

 

Sound like you broke the plastic part that holds the collapsible column together. Mine would slide back and forth as well. I had to pull the steering column apart, use the plastic pieces as a guide to realign the shafts, drill 2 slightly larger holes through both shafts, use small aluminum rivets to hold it all together, and re-crimp the ground wire that connects the 2 halves. It was fairly easy to do, but I also had the whole steering box/shaft out of the car.

 

Hello Ferrariferg,

the motion or movement is up and down not back and forth, the steering wheel telescopes up for about 1/2".

 

The column is a 2 piece unit with a couple plastic sheer pins installed to permit collapsing of the column in a collision rather than having the steering wheel impale the driver. Many people simply replace these pins with steel roll pins.

This is a very very dangerous fix!!!

 

Okay
I am confused the sterring seems to fine , is it safe to drive with this up and down play in it. I don't really feel like tearing the column out if it is not necessary.

 

I am not sure I understand the movement you are descibing . If it is "in / out" then shaft issue .

If it is up/down , or side to side I had this problem on a first gen and it was a small rubber bushing worn out in the column that is availabe from mazda if you get the exact part number from the manuals available in the FAQ section

 

Okay well the movement is on the sterring shaft is in and out, about a 1/2" of travel, I was smacking the back of the steering wheel with a rubber mallet to remove the steering wheel. I am not sure if I broke something or if this is a dangeous situation, the steering seems to be fine although I have not driven it anywhere since this happened and do not intend to until I have an understanding whether or not it is safe. I do appreciate the input from you guys.

Thank you Rogue12