Steering Column Stuck In R33 Gtr! Help!

[leeroy_25]

I have a small issue.. When I took my engine out months ago I obviously realised I needed to undo the steering column to rack spline to let the subframe drop. Only problem is I have also knocked the column up a bit to release the spline from the knuckle and I now cannot get the damn thing back down. I cannot see what's moved though. Basically I tapped the big tube section that sticks out from the bulkhead with a hammer to knock it up and there is nothing to tap to get it back down! I tried to clamp some grips arond the shaft just above the spline and tap it down but no joy. Strange thing its the steering wheel is not sticking out too far as I was going to try and tap it down from that end but there is no spare movement there. Judging by the clean bit on the splines I reckon it's got to come down 10mm. Is there a trick I am missing here or has something moved that should have further up the column?! I would feel much happier if I could get a bit more of the spline engaged!

Has anyone got a sevice manual page they can post please? It would really help to see what I am up against and work out whats moved.

Please help!

Cheers

Lee

[rexrxr]

I have a small issue.. When I took my engine out months ago I obviously realised I needed to undo the steering column to rack spline to let the subframe drop. Only problem is I have also knocked the column up a bit to release the spline from the knuckle and I now cannot get the damn thing back down. I cannot see what's moved though. Basically I tapped the big tube section that sticks out from the bulkhead with a hammer to knock it up and there is nothing to tap to get it back down! I tried to clamp some grips arond the shaft just above the spline and tap it down but no joy. Strange thing its the steering wheel is not sticking out too far as I was going to try and tap it down from that end but there is no spare movement there. Judging by the clean bit on the splines I reckon it's got to come down 10mm. Is there a trick I am missing here or has something moved that should have further up the column?! I would feel much happier if I could get a bit more of the spline engaged!

Has anyone got a sevice manual page they can post please? It would really help to see what I am up against and work out whats moved.

Please help!

Cheers

Lee

sounds like youve collapsed the column shaft, the steering column is a telescopic shaft which is made to colappse in the event of an accident. when you hit the shaft up towards the firewall to release it, it mustve broken the tiny plastic dowells inside the column which keep the column the desired length. you can pull the shaft out to get the length back but inside the column the factory dowells are broken and cannot be repaired, as they are the size of a matchstick thickness and designed to break on impact so you dont end up with a steering column through your chest if ya hit something hard enuff get my drift? basically the column is a saftey component that shouldnt be hit with a hammer! if you need room release the column from inside of car as its bolted to firewall and under dash beam. to get it back in well really the column is stuffed, but if you can manage to pull the shaft out long enough to the correct length and bolt it securely to the steering rack and manage to get the bolt in you should be ok as it wont fall apart if its back to where it should be and bolted. good luck mate .. my 2c