Posted: Mon Apr 27, 09 5:51 pm
Well the first thing is that the fact the column has moved back indicates that the pinch bolt at the bottom of the shaft is loose...you didn't say whether or not it was a manual or power steer car...
and if the column comes up then the circlip at the top of the shaft is missing
you need to take of wheel
pull the crush can (if fitted) (that's a right palava without the correct puller, and you will soon find out if nobody has used the correct puller because the threads will be ruined) 3 leg puller and look for a new crush can !!!
take off the indicator cancel switch
and the hold down bit of metal
big spring clip round the top of the steering shaft but you will be hard pushed to notice it
down the other end ivor is right
either yiour rag joint is shafted (rubber and cloth bit designed to take out some road vibration in the junction between shaft and box) or the bit that splines onto the steering box is riding up and down on the splines
it shouldn't do this becuase there should be a roll pin or bolt through it that fits into a necked in part of the splined shaft out of the box....designed to stop this kinda thing happening
the circlip at the top you can live without but this bottom bit saves ya life...i.e check it before going out again
Dave