Amazon: 123GT Steering Column Bushes - replacement...

[mocambique-amazone]

You have to adjust the upper steering column
Essential is to drill out the security bolts with break of head.
Have a closer look and you will understand.
Common problem.
Your idea is dangerous too. Even more dangerous than still using the damaged splines.
If you spent time you will find guys rallying a Amazon and they lost the steering system......

Good luck, you will need luck, Kay

[greaserleo]

Where are the security bolts.
Perhaps I should dig the workshop manual out. Didn't expect it to be so involved. Can the upper column be adjusted to move down?

I will check manual

Originally Posted by mocambique-amazone

You have to adjust the upper steering column
Essential is to drill out the security bolts with break of head.
Have a closer look and you will understand.
Common problem.
Your idea is dangerous too. Even more dangerous than still using the damaged splines.
If you spent time you will find guys rallying a Amazon and they lost the steering system......

Good luck, you will need luck, Kay

[142 Guy]

I am going to go out on a limb and extrapolate the construction of the 140 steering column to the Amazon, so this may be completely incorrect. However, later Amazons shared an upper steering column design that was similar to that used on the 140.

The first thing to do is to check for axial movement of the upper steering shaft. If you grab the upper portion of the steering shaft can you move it back and forth along the axis of the shaft? If so, then the thrust bearings in the column are seriously out of adjustment or are completely worn out. That is a new and additional problem that you need to fix in addition to your rubber bushing problem.

Assuming that there is no axial slop in the upper steering column, you do have limited ability to position the complete steering column back and forth in an axial direction. You would want to try and position your column backwards to close up that gap in the bushing mount. On the 140, the steering column is mounted to the steering bracket by two large U clamps. The lower one is near the firewall and the upper one probably requires removal of the trim around the steering column to access. Once you get eyes on these clamps, you will see that once they are loosened there is a limited ability to position the complete column back and forth. You want to try and pull the complete column as far back as possible. On the 140, there are 'blind' security bolts on the steering lock mechanism and I think the last of the Amazons had this same arrangement. You do not need to drill out these security bolts in order to reposition the column.

[142 Guy]

Here is a photo of the 140 steering column showing the two U clamps that hold the steering column to its support bracket. Loosen those clamps and you have some limited ability to position the column back and forth. Look for something similar on the Amazon - particularly if it is a later Amazon.

Or, check your factory service manual!!

[greaserleo]

Yeah found them, that's great. Thanks.
Can line up the upper column now correctly.

Originally Posted by 142 Guy

Here is a photo of the 140 steering column showing the two U clamps that hold the steering column to its support bracket. Loosen those clamps and you have some limited ability to position the column back and forth. Look for something similar on the Amazon - particularly if it is a later Amazon.

Or, check your factory service manual!!