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Hello all:
My '92 245 has a shot lower steering column u-joint-- a quick check shows the part to be pretty pricey (~$110 USD is the best I've seen so far). Anybody have any tips on a good place to pick one up for less?
Thanks!
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Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi
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There is a current post about this topic somewhere probably between page 3 and page 11.
My joints went bad after a major front end rebuild, rack, balls, and inner and outer rods, and I didn't put any undue stress on the joints. I think that the rest of the sloppy front end was absorbing all of the stress and when it was all tight again that all of the stress found the weakest link! I am going to get my rplacement out of a junkyard for sure!
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posted by
someone claiming to be Rhys
on
Wed Jun 22 14:41 CST 2005 [ RELATED]
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Herb I may have a good used one in stock. If you can send a photo of the one you have (there were some differences over the years I think) I will have a look. You can email me from my website directly www.sucarburetors.com
Rhys
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Herb,
Shot?
Never seen one shot.
stiff steering? Last two times I had that (on other cars) a quick clean and lube spray did the trick, as I recall and leasted years trouble free.
Our salt eats the grease off it, check it out.
Greg
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Hi Greg:
Yup, this one is shot-- was binding up, so I soaked it in PBlaster, which freed it up a bit, but now it makes a knocking noise and the steering has a little play before you get a response to wheel turn, so it is overdue for replacement.
The replacement cost is really high-- I've been seeing prices in the $110-150USD range before shipping and pst and gst!
Cheers!
--
Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi
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Hi Herb,
I have heard a lot of good things about PBlaster, but having trouble finding them in Canada. Can you let me known where you got yours? I am in Toronto. Thanks.
Joe
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Hello Joe:
PBlaster is amazing stuff-- I was skeptical when I heard about it, but I have to say it really works wonders!
Unfortunately, I don't know where to get it in Canada either-- I picked mine up on a run to Port Huron, MI at the local Autozone there.
I guess Niagara Falls would be closer for you!
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Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi
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Thanks Herb,
I think cross border shopping is our next trip.
Joe
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Hey Herb,
I had similar symptoms when my u-joint went bad. Tried lubing first too. That stopped it from knocking or sticking when turning. Didn't help the play. In fact, the play got worse - there was so much play it got downright scary and I had it replaced by my ex-mechanic.
Frankly, he wouldn't volunteer it, but I believe he damaged it when he replaced my rack about 6 months earlier. Someone here mentioned that happening as well. As I said he is now my ex-mechanic. I use to fix just the easier stuff. However, that episode combined with another one inspired me to become my own full time mechanic!!
BTW - He charged me about $110 for the part (U.S.) and maybe an hour's labor.
Did you try FCPGroton.com yet? Maybe ebay?
Jim
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90 244DL 255K - original engine/drivetrain :)
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Hi Jim:
Mine has more play in it than I am comfortable with-- this car hauls my wife and young kids around town, so this is something I want to fix soon!
FCPgroton has the joint, but it is $110 USD plus shipping, plus exchange, plus the 15% tax the governments take here. I was hoping somebody knew about a source that hadn't occurred to me...
It sounds like doing this joint can be a real pain-- especially in rust belt cars!
Thanks for the information!
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Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi
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Herb,
Don't overlook ebay, good deals can be had there. Trouble is the u-joint is unusual part so availability maybe an issue. Know IPD is expensive, maybe RPR in California or Swedish Engineering are other options.
G'luck,
Jim
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90 244DL 255K - original engine/drivetrain :)
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Hi Jim!
I had a look at e-bay-- nothing at last blush...
IPD is usually off the charts price-wise, I haven't checked RPR, but SE came in at roughly $150. I'm looking into some used options, including Rhys' offer of a used one...
I appreciate the suggestions!
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Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi
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If it is a good joint, used might be the way to go.
Just curious, are you going to do the job yourself? If so, I remember there being quite a few posts in the archives about the best procedures to follow. Big screwdriver and hammer come to mind immediatedly....
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90 244DL 255K - original engine/drivetrain :)
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I am considering it-- but I have heard it can be a real PITA, especially on "rust belt" cars... The tough part appears to be having to apply a lot of force to separate the joint assemblies without putting the airbag clockspring in jeopardy...
I do have a Volvo master mechanic who run an indy shop nearby-- and he works for $60/hr. Perhaps I will clean things up and start soaking everything in PBlaster and then turn it over to him-- he will often do jobs like that for actual time rather than book.
The first order of business is to find a good joint...
--
Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi
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Try http://p089.ezboard.com/ftcvefrm8.showMessage?topicID=243.topic
--
1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans
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