Steering U/J's

[Adrian Southgate]

I am about to replace the dodgy steering joint on the Legerra with a new forged one. I read something somewhere about synchronizing the U/J's so that it doesn't cause them to stress the joint bearings.

Is this some sort of urban myth or is there a set process to keep the thing flexible in all planes?

[Adrian Southgate]

Does yours have any support bearings in it?

[James Doulton]

Is it just a case of making sure that the UJs on each end of the shaft are at right angles?

[Paul Sheridan]

The most important thing is to make sure the shafts are well supported, so the only movement in the U/J is in its intended plane. Then providing the U/J turns with in its tolerances ie the knuckles dont bind together there will be no problem. 

[Steve Kerswell]

I agree with Paul, you may need a shaft bearing to support it and keep it in line.

[Adrian Southgate]

The shaft on mine is free floating from the bulkhead bottom bearing all the way to the rack  just like ford designed it... Whats the plan then? some sort of rose joint fitted over the shaft and bolted to the chassis?

ETA, that would mean changing the engine mount design to add a mounting plate for a bearing at the bottom of the steering column and maybe even another to support the steering droplink.

[Adrian Southgate]

The Sierra looks like this. The Legerra is very similar but with a longer drop from the bulkhead to the first UJ. Droplink on the Legerra goes at a similar angle and is within mm of the bottom of the alternator.

[Steve Kerswell]

That would do it, mine has a proper line shaft bearing, which is a bit ott. Is it a straight run on your shaft?

[Steve Kerswell]

Looking at that, you have support at bulkhead and support at rack, so should be good.

[Adrian Southgate]

The legerra isnt such a short run... im looking for photo's 

Can't find any of the actual shaft and joints but they are at quite acute angles. I do have another column and cortina droplink (the triangular socket bit) but was keeping that for the white one to dodge the problem in that.

Thinking cap needed..