Greasing UJs

[Phil-E30]

Trying to do everything possible to help the steering on the Zed. Trying to buy new wheels without crappy run flat tyres and also want to grease the UJs mentioned in so many sticky steering threads.

I was wondering then if there was a guide or anything on here with pictures etc explaining how to do this properly.

Thanks!!

 

[Phil-E30]

Can anyone who has done this maybe help? Just want a bit of guidance on doing this to get the best possible results

 

[Dav the wheel nut]

I used a spray can of white lithium grease (3 in 1) with a straw type nozzle.
You can access the ujs from the engine compartment. give them a liberal coating all round.
Get someone to turn the steering to assist with their location and covering.
The grease may burn off the engine afterwards if there is any overspray but don't panic.

 

[Phil-E30]

Thanks mate, how do I access the UJs from the engine bay? Can they be seen clearly?

 

[Machine monkey]

Did you have the dreaded sticky steering Dav? And did this make a difference? I get it when i have the heater on blowing on my feet. Is this the same problem? I have heard that its the steering ecu and its mega money to fix

 

[vortex]

I used a long and thin paintbrush and some motor oil.
Follow the steering column through the firewall, you will see one UJ at the rear of the engine bay, and if you follow it down you will see another UJ near the bottom of the engine.
Someone who helped me with this here on the forums actually posted pictures.

 

[Dav the wheel nut]

Thanks mate, how do I access the UJs from the engine bay? Can they be seen clearly?

Yes if you get someone to turn the steering wheel you will see them. One is easier to access than the other but you can spray them both with the nozzle on.
Just look down into the bay, obviously on the side infront of the steering wheel.

Did you have the dreaded sticky steering Dav? And did this make a difference? I get it when i have the heater on blowing on my feet. Is this the same problem? I have heard that its the steering ecu and its mega money to fix

Steering seemed a bit stiff on a journey last year on the motorway in hot sunshine. Certainly not had a problem since so it was more precautionary than anything else.

 

[Machine monkey]

Well no harm in giving it a go. I know the system is electric but is there still fluid in the rack that could need changing?? I.e an electric motor drives the pump instead of a pulley off the engine???

 

[Ewazix]

Look down the UK drivers side of the engine and you will see the bottom of the steering column projecting through the firewall, first UJ is obvious (pic) follow the shaft down to the right to find the second which is tucked away. It seems that there are several different manifestations, and causes of stiff (or sticky) steering, mine was not generally heat related and lube sorted it instantly.

I also got rid of RFTs, had a suspension inspection and a full 4-wheel alignment for good measure and have had no problems for the last two years

 

[Phil-E30]

Thanks for the help guys. My steering seems to just become a bit sticky after long periods of driving, have had the heater on full blast when out in it today and it didn't seem to affect it at all. I don't find the problem that annoying, it's just a little niggle more than anything.

In the process of trying to sort wheels without RFTs, will grease the UJs and have a wheel aligment, hopefully that will all ease it.

 

[Ewazix]

Thanks for the help guys. My steering seems to just become a bit sticky after long periods of driving, have had the heater on full blast when out in it today and it didn't seem to affect it at all. I don't find the problem that annoying, it's just a little niggle more than anything.

In the process of trying to sort wheels without RFTs, will grease the UJs and have a wheel aligment, hopefully that will all ease it.

No problem, let us know how it goes