No recesses on lower steering shaft?

[stuchman1]

Hi everyone,

Another day, another question :)

I've reviewed lots of prior threads but I haven't seen this addressed.

We're working on installing the steering shaft. Going fine, but I'm surprised to see they don't tell you to drill recesses for the set screws on the lower steering shaft. I'm guessing this isn't the case, but it seems like a hand-tightened set screw isn't going to make much of its own recess in a steel shaft and therefore it's mostly pushing up against a flat steel surface. That doesn't seem like it would be super secure, particularly over years of use. I doubt it would fall out, but I would worry that the shaft could migrate downward over time and eventually interfere with the U-joint on the steering rack.

I'm guessing that's not the case and the answer is to follow the directions, but I wanted to check with the experts.

Thanks!
ST

[steno]

You could drill detents in the shaft if it makes you feel more secure. I have over 100k on my car and that has never been an issue.

[CraigS]

I grind a small flat on it in best position I can indicated by the small mark the set screw made. BTW since the steering wheel is only adjustible by 180 deg, there is a good possibility that you may need to move a steering column connection by a spline or 2 so it may be good to hold off until you are further along.