Steering column bump

[longislandwrx]

This afternoon I started cleaning up my column, removed excess bracketry, the steering lock, etc etc, I was getting ready to test the fit so I could press the column to shorten it an inch or so when I noticed it would not fit through the hole enough for the bolt holes to line up. I started looking at pictures and I haven't seen another with the rib on the end like mine has. I was told it was an 02 column.

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Does any one else have this column? how did you address the problem?

Thanks!

[rori]

That looks like a pre-02 column judging by the course splines on the end of the shaft. What steering rack are you using? Compare the spline count to your steering rack, they should match. Pre-02 has a courser spline count than 02-07 and can't be mixed, unless you want to make a custom u-joint. Also the tilt mechanism looks nothing like an 02-07.

[TahoeTim]

I've seen rust free columns on ebay for $40 with free shipping.

[longislandwrx]

Agreed, I couldn't find another that had that second tilt "memory" lever, nor have I seen it on any 02 I've been in. My 05 just has the underneath one as well.

My rack is from an 05 STi. I didn't count the splines yet, but I will when I get home today.

If the spline count is off this thing is useless. If its right i'm thinking I can notch the bump on the top and bottom so I can work it into place, although that may expose it to the elements.

Worse case there's a STi column on ebay right now.

[Mechie3]

My 93 legacy had a memory tilt lever.

How are people pressing the shaft down? What are you supporting in the press?

[longislandwrx]

Not sure how much pressure it tasks as this held me up but it looks like some rods/screwdriver through the u joint would do the trick. If this thing is no good to me I will gladly sacrifice it in the name of SCIENCE!

[longislandwrx]

Anyway so I figured what's the worse that can happen, took my cutoff wheel and cut the column just before the hump, thinking I would just repress the bearings if they were below the cut.

Got it open and to my surprise its nothing more than a thick rubber bushing. HILARIOUS.

So I pressed the bushing back in (by hand) and tested the fit... the bracket was now under the frame mount, but overall length was still a little long. So I figured I'd give it the Rori treatment and press the column. My press was just not tall enough so I just got out the 2.5lb lump hammer and gave it a few love taps. It squeezed right down easily no issues. Length is now perfect but the brackets don't line up at all. They are centered on this rack and must be offset on the 02-07. I could redrill but it would still be crooked. A scrap of steel would do the trick of a little extra room to play with

The next issue is that just like rori said, the splines are different... the diameter is larger and wont slip on. The solution? Threw this thing in the trash and bought a new 04 STi column on ebay.

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[ssssly]

Looks like they gave you a V5/6 RS rack instead of a GDB rack. Luckily the racks aren't expensive.

[longislandwrx]

Yeah I got a rust free one sent from Oregon yeah! for $40 Still waiting for my bump steer kit to come (been 2 weeks and might be 2 more)

Once the racks in place I can measure and see how much space there is, what hub and quick release will work, and get the steering wheel in.

[metros]

Glad to hear that a few solid whacks will shrink the column down. Which end were you hitting and how stripped down does it need to be to access?

[longislandwrx]

Hit the splined end that connects to the rack. I made sure the column was straight, put the steering wheel nut on a block of 2x4 on the ground and hit it.

I wouldn't even call it a solid whack, it really didn't take much at all. Proper technique? maybe not but it did the trick.

[metros]

Perfect, thanks for the tips.

[FFRSpec72]

I'm cleaning up the steering column and I assume its ok to cut this bracket off ?

32955

And drill out the bolts for the key assembly ?
32956

also OK to cut this bracket off ?

32957

And what can I get rid of here on the height adjustment ?

32958

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I'm cleaning up the steering column and I assume its ok to cut this bracket off ?

32955

And drill out the bolts for the key assembly ?
32956

also OK to cut this bracket off ?

32957

And what can I get rid of here on the height adjustment ?

32958

If you cut off the height adjuster, you will lose the FFR mounting point. No problem if your planning on fabricating your own.
The bracket in the third picture. I think Chad is mounting his race dash to that. Otherwise, cut away.
I removed the key. No issues.
I don't remember what the bracket in the first picture was used for.
Bob

[mikeb75]

First bracket is holding springs that run under the height/tilt adjustment (I think)

[K3LAG]

First bracket is holding springs that run under the height/tilt adjustment (I think)

I think it's also the bracket the flasher module and security relays attach to. Easy to move those if needed.

Larry

[longislandwrx]

I'm cleaning up the steering column and I assume its ok to cut this bracket off ?

32955


not if you are keeping the tilt function. If you are getting rid of the tilt then yes.


And drill out the bolts for the key assembly ?
32956

yes, or cut the bracket, I did this on my first rack, on the second I left the key.

also OK to cut this bracket off ?

yes, just mounts the column plastic.

32957

And what can I get rid of here on the height adjustment ?

32958

all of it if you no longer want tilt. you need to weld a new flat piece of steel on top for a new mounting point. id also add a u strap in case the weld fails