Changing intermediate shaft

mr302xd · 22-04-2008, 09:44 PM

hey all

Just wanted to know how easy it is to change the intermediate shaft? Steering is loose and isnt the safest thing when drining down the motorway.
Looks pretty staight forward job, but would like to know from ppl with expierience. Also ive heard they are only available form Ford parts and no aftermarket ones? Is this correct? If so wat would i be looking at price wise?

Cheers guys
Frank

tufLTD · 22-04-2008, 09:49 PM

Are you talking about the shaft between the column & steering rack?
If so, it takes about 10 mins to change, just 2 10mm headed bolts & slide it off.
It's a Ford only part, about $180.

mr302xd · 22-04-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tufLTD

Are you talking about the shaft between the column & steering rack?
If so, it takes about 10 mins to change, just 2 10mm headed bolts & slide it off.
It's a Ford only part, about $180.

Thats the one mate. I thought its only a quik job. Pedders wanted $420 to do it!! Glad i didnt get it done!

cheers

tufLTD · 22-04-2008, 09:57 PM

$420!!! That's a nice little earner for someone.

mr302xd · 22-04-2008, 10:08 PM

Yea ive found they over charge alot! ill get that steering dont tomorrow

cheers

JC · 23-04-2008, 12:37 AM

Easy as. I got a replacement one for mine from the wreckers for $70. It's the bearing in the cup part that goes, so just check to make sure there' no play/movement.

Not to remove and fit:
1. undo both 10mm bolts (one at rack, and one at top uni joint near firewall).
2. slide shaft up towards firewall.
3. slide cup end off rack
4. slide top end back towards the ground, and you should end up with one intermediate shaft in your hand.

5. Refitting is the reversal of removal (start at step 4 through to step 1). Note that the shafts have one large spline piece, so the new intermediate shaft can only go on one way, and it can be fiddly to fit, but patience (and a cold engine) is the key.

5.0 ED · 23-04-2008, 12:45 AM

Yeah the hot exhaust can be a problem.

JC · 23-04-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5.0whiteaughia

Yeah the hot exhaust can be a problem.

Yes, the back of my hand found out the hard way!

mr302xd · 23-04-2008, 01:38 PM

i just found out that ford want 290 buks because my car is a v8. What is the difference between the 6 & 8 shaft???

cheers frank

JC · 23-04-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr auxr8

i just found out that ford want 290 buks because my car is a v8. What is the difference between the 6 & 8 shaft???

cheers frank

In the EF/NFs, it's nothing more than the heatproof foil that is wrapped around the shaft. Not sure if the AU is the same. You probably need to find out if the steering rack is common to the I6s and V8s - if it is, then just reuse the heatshield stuff off the old shaft and get yourself an I6 shaft. If the racks are different, then it's safe to assume the shafts would be different too.

Have you tried the wreckers at all?

superroo · 23-04-2008, 02:11 PM

When i had my rack changed i was asked it was a 6 or an 8, so they probably are different.
Check the parts data on here for answers.

Cheers

mr302xd · 23-04-2008, 03:10 PM

I checked a couple of wreckers. they werent sure?? my shaft now has the heat sheild round it, dunno if that helps at all..

cheers

mr302xd · 23-04-2008, 03:28 PM

Also if anyone has one lying a round please let me know. ive called around and the v8 shaft seems rare.

cheers

philstoj · 23-04-2008, 03:38 PM

The v8 ones do have the heat shield wrapped around them as the shaft goes through between the pipes so i dare say that would be the difference.

mr302xd · 23-04-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philstoj

The v8 ones do have the heat shield wrapped around them as the shaft goes through between the pipes so i dare say that would be the difference.

cat i just buy some insulation and put on a 6cyl shaft??

**Jastel** · 23-04-2008, 08:07 PM

Make sure you don't turn the steering wheel while the shaft is off
I usually tie the steering wheel to the handbrake or something

cArSiK · 07-11-2008, 12:00 AM

so did anyone work out if there was infact a difference between the i6 and v8 shafts?

**Mechan1k** · 07-11-2008, 02:29 AM

Well ... I got mine through Darren at FTG ... he was able to source one for me from one of the wrecks there ... was cheap as well.

You best bet is to ask him.

bodes-sh · 07-11-2008, 09:15 AM

this is from the parts database,
Part # Description Unit Price
ER 3C662 A SHAFT STEERING COL, LOWER, (-) XR8, ALL 6 CYL ENGINES $185.25
ER 3C662 D SHAFT STEERING COL, LOWER, (4 DOOR SED (-)S/XR6 5.0 V8 OR FAIRLANE/LTD 5.0 V8 OR 4 DOOR WAGON FORTE/FAIRMONT 5.0 V8) $292.50

i would assume there is some difference, looking at that. what the difference is, i'm not sure...

**Mechan1k** · 07-11-2008, 09:40 AM

I think it means the top one is minus the V8 versions (-) ... and the bottom one is minus the S/XR6 models.

autickfordfairmont · 07-11-2008, 10:37 AM

My steering has been feeling a little strange lately on and off. How do i tell if its worn?? If it is worn, should I be able to feel play in the shaft if i riggle it around, or will it always have a little movement?

mr302xd · 07-11-2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autickfordfairmont

My steering has been feeling a little strange lately on and off. How do i tell if its worn?? If it is worn, should I be able to feel play in the shaft if i riggle it around, or will it always have a little movement?

You will feel it loose, also the car will move left and right a bit on its own especially down a highway etc.
Easiest way is physically grab the sharft and wriggle it round, ull soon get ur answer.

Cheers

JC · 07-11-2008, 09:21 PM

If you have any "play" in the steering wheel, then chances are it is the intermediate shaft.

**Mechan1k** · 07-11-2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr auxr8

You will feel it loose, also the car will move left and right a bit on its own especially down a highway etc.
Easiest way is physically grab the sharft and wriggle it round, ull soon get ur answer.

Cheers

Counter steering on Putty Rd in teh rougher sections in pouring rain really keeps you on your toes.

Once you get the stuffed intermediate shaft out and look at it ... you will immediately realise who stuffed it really is ... mine had a decent amount of play where the pin goes through.

fomoco_mofo · 11-11-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr auxr8

Easiest way is physically grab the sharft and wriggle it round, ull soon get ur answer.

Cheers

Done that...turned out to be the TOP uni is worn, BUT...the uni is part of the steering column shaft.

Was quoted $440 for new one!

You'd think they'd put both unis on the intermediate shaft. :evil3:

Cooper69S · 23-12-2008, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR BAXR6t

You will feel it loose, also the car will move left and right a bit on its own especially down a highway etc.
Easiest way is physically grab the sharft and wriggle it round, ull soon get ur answer.

Cheers

I had these symptoms and suspected something was up - wandering left/right on the highway and just generally loose steering. I had a couple of people check it and had one place say I needed a new intermediate shaft, while a couple of others, including an ex-ford mechanic friend said my steering was fine. the local dealer also said there was nothing wrong with it and said the intermediate shaft was fine. didn't bother with it for a while and eventually checked it for myself and there was a huge amount of play in the intermediate shaft. Only problem was the dealer had no stock and it was apparently out of stock with Ford everywhere, and I was told they needed to make some more of them so I had to order and pay up-front. paid $405 (ouch

) on 15th October and it just arrived today.

anyway as everyone else has said its a pretty straightforward job and has made an enormous difference to the steering. feels like a new car!! I don't know how many they would've made but if anyone needs one maybe there will be stock now for a while...