Saab 9-3 Steering Column Joint | Vectra C Steering Column Joint

[@CycloneCyd]

Something I forgot to mention: the play in the UJ, even when it only seems slight, has a significant negative effect on the way the car "feels". It deteriorates slowly over time, so you don't notice it creeping up on you, but it makes the car feel vague and allows it to wander. Having fitted brand new UJs to my intermediate shaft it has tightened the steering on my Aero right up. Less vibration, virtually no wandering and less tramlining too (both under power and braking).

[@Sid3300]

Doing the one on mine soon. Steering feels really vague, the car tram lines, when the road is cambered you can feel it trying to tug you into the edge. Looking forward to getting this done, will hopefully improve the feel no end.

[@68xperfectx]

Did mine recently, what a difference it made no more wandering around anymore.

[@CycloneCyd]

Surprising isn't it?

[@dingbat5653]

Helped a lot and replaced mine today. Much improved

[@dodoschizophonic]

Thanks for the great video! I managed it on my own too! A couple of remarks for the future enthusiasts : 1. The bolts go off easily but my old shaft was very hard to dislocate. I pulled from every possible angle, sprayed 10 times with an anti-corrosion spray but it finally paid off. 2. The new part may not look exactly like the old one but it fits nevertheless. 3. Don't worry about placing the shaft wrong. Thank to the forementioned notches, it can only be placed correctly, so don't worry moving the wheel if you need to get a better angle. 4. Take care to place the rubber shit correctly, or otherwise your feet will be wet soon. 5. Certainly don't pay a garage for that job - it makes fun and as long as you tighten the bolts well, you cannot put yourself in danger.

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks for the input, all good points. And isn't that rubber a right pig to get back in place?

[@dodoschizophonic]

@@CycloneCyd Yes, it certainly is. It has to be pushed well from inside, then pulled from an awkward position from under the hood. It has to fit tight in order to prevent water to get into the car. Something I forgot to mention - the car feels completely different once that matter is dealt with. I cannot believe I drove years and years with that loose and clicking steering wheel! Thanks for the response and best regards! Dodo

[@CycloneCyd]

@@dodoschizophonic stay safe

[@jogilliam3046]

Can’t thank you enough for this video, saved me £400 that the garage quoted me

[@CycloneCyd]

Wow. That's expensive. Glad to help.

[@MrMelcu79]

Done it , it is a decent process as complexity.WARNING: HAVE YOUR STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITH KEY/FOB REMOVED from contact .Otherwise you might distroy your cloackspring (in CIM), if the steering wheel is moving without being connected to rack.

[@CycloneCyd]

I thought I mentioned that in the video, but anyway you are quite correct. Although it is not the CIM but the clockspring which gets damaged. So, yes, NEVER *NEVER EVER* , not in a MILLION YEARS should one wind a clockspring end to end. The clockspring is in the CIM and can be replaced separately, but it's a pain. ** do you think I emphasised that enough 👆? **

[@skankingiant]

great video, thank you! Was a bit concerned I stripped the threads doing it up again but all was fine!

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks, glad you found it helpful

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Hi. Thanks for the confidence boost. I've actually never changed one of these. Kinda of silly perhaps, since I'm a pro, but it gives me confidence to that it's quite doable.

[@CycloneCyd]

Oh, yeah. It's not at all difficult, just awkward - you need to be a bit of a contortionist, lol! If you've got a bench and a vice it's real easy to fit a new UJ to your existing shaft too. 15 quid (ish) for a 16x40 UJ vs 150 quid for an aftermarket shaft (of dubious pedigree too). No brainer if you ask me. Oh, and cheers for the sub.

[@invincible997T]

Thanks for good video! I'm going to try it out tomorrow. Really appreciate! 😊

[@vladgeorge7467]

Can a worn out UJ cause stiffens in the steering wheel? Like an intermediate lack of steering for a few seconds from time to time followed by a clunk. Mine has a lot of play in this, do you also have a number for the UJ? I'd be greatful, my Opel has been having this clunk for a few months already. Thank you. Opel Vectra C 1.9 CDTI sedan

[@antonzapper]

I have the same problem and I'm looking to fix it myself, but there is a huge price difference between LHD and RHD parts. Would you reckon that I could buy the RHD part and use it on my LHD car, by only changing the metal bit(aka the thing you were showing in the beginning of the video) and not the whole part including the plastic "seal"?

[@tspedersen6]

I'm getting a little sticking when I turn the wheel or on it's return to center. Just a bit right now but I notice it. Could it be coming from this end of the steering or more likely somewhere lower down? Can I try spraying some lubricant somewhere to get me by a little longer?

[@robotleaves]

Hi. I've an aero and there's a kind of a clunk as u move the steering wheel from side to side and u can feel it in the break when the car is idol. Do u think this is the steering column?

[@stubob266]

Replacing the UJ joint itself, I can't see that there are any spring washers nor GM wax, so assuming these are just a straightforward to press out?

[@imperialeagle87]

Hello, What's happened with the video for refitting universal joint? I found second hand shaft in good condition for vectra c, but would like to repair also my old one, because soon or later will need it again. Thanks in advance!

[@danielcoupland4620]

Hi. Have you got any advice for the 2.8T V6 one? Is this joint accessible from beneath the car if it was put on a ramp? Thanks :)

[@CycloneCyd]

It should be accessible from under the car. it will be tight though. process will otherwise be the same.

[@daren4695]

I need to do mine, as I get the same feeling you mention. Would it be prudent and looking at some other videos that the 13mm bolts have thread lock applied to them ? Red thread lock ?

[@CycloneCyd]

Yeah, that's a good idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@daren4695]

I've finally got around to doing my universal joint, and it has made a big difference, however since I've done this my steering is off centre and pointing slightly left when the wheels are straight? Not sure whats happened

[@austinlee7997]

How did you remove the shaft from the rack and pinion system? I cant get it to release on our 04 vert.

[@CycloneCyd]

You need to remove the bolt completely or it won't come off. Also disconnect inside first.

[@MrMelcu79]

Hi , Is it feasible to do it without a ramp/lifting car? This covers a SAAB 9-3, 2.0T, 2009? The spare part is 12827004 ? Thank you in advance.

[@CycloneCyd]

No need to lift the car. All the B207s are the same. Not sure about part number - try Neo Brothers

[@radekmamcarz]

Recently I've replaced front shocks, springs and top mounts and drop links. My steering wheel is stiff.

[@CycloneCyd]

Have you checked the UJ?

[@radekmamcarz]

@@CycloneCyd yes, it seems to have no movements

[@vajalabadze28]

Hello! please tell me without removing it how should i know it needs change or not ?

[@CycloneCyd]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLXfJx7pLd3Y8k

[@xXFuZeSnipeZzXx]

I have a clunking noise when turning the wheel both sides almost maximum. Both standstill and in low speed. Can this be the culprit? I have replaced the strut bearings and mounts and it is still there. It sounds like it comes from under the car somewhere so it would make sense

[@CycloneCyd]

It could be, yes. I was going to suggest top mounts and bearings but you've already eliminated that. Another posibility is the rack being loose in it's mounts. the rubbers get tired. You should be able to get your hand round the UJ while someone turns the wheel for you and feel for the clunk.

[@xXFuZeSnipeZzXx]

@@CycloneCyd Thanks! Will try that. The rack was replaced last year, do you think the mounts would have been replaced at the same time?

[@CycloneCyd]

@@xXFuZeSnipeZzXx somehow I doubt it. The rubbers for the mounts come separately to the rack, so it's dependant on whoever changed it knowing to order them. I'd bet the old ones were reused. Check both UJs are done up tight too. It might be worth getting the car on a ramp and looking, listening and feeling for the clunk from underneath.

[@xXFuZeSnipeZzXx]

@@CycloneCyd I finally brought my Saab to the mechanic cause I couldn’t figure it out. It was the rubber in the mounts… Do you by any chance know what they are called or the oem number? I can’t find the part anywhere!

[@Jack32X]

Tried this today, I cant for the life of me get that rubber boot in, argh!

[@Adnan2492]

Thanks for such detailed video. Is it easy to replace just the UJ? Is it any 16x40mm UJ ?

[@CycloneCyd]

Yes, 16x40. Needs to be one with seals. I've done a couple now, easy enough with a vice and sockets as drifts.

[@mattyj2452]

Hi. Does petrol vectra and saab share UJ? Thanks

[@CycloneCyd]

No, not the same. Common upper part but different lower part which is the bit that wears 🤦‍♂️

[@mattyj2452]

@@CycloneCyd thanks for your reply Paul. Would you know what is correct part number for 2007 1.8t 93? I believe there 2 types... Black and silver but unsure if fitment is the same. Thanks👌

[@CycloneCyd]

@@mattyj2452 Petrol Part number: 12827004 diesel Part number: 12827003

[@mattyj2452]

@@CycloneCyd great stuff thanks 👍

[@p-riff]

HELP!! When I drive on really bad roadways my car wanders all over the place. Car will steer itself into a wall if I left go! I replaced the inner and outer tie rod ends, and the struts. When I check for play in the wheels, both wheels move in sync and my steering wheel also rocks back and forth a little. Could this be a bad steering rack?

[@xxxqqq]

I have the same problem, but seems not as serious as yours. Mines is a 04 9-3, there is a play in the steering, it feels okey on the local road but not good on the highway. When running fast, little bumps or dents will let the car wander a little bit. I am pretty sure its the issue in this video, because it is exactly as the description in the comment of maker of this video, and my mechanic already checked the links in the front and there is no problem with them. Now the problem is where to get the spare part in a good price, maybe in a salvage yard.

[@guitarlover302]

To prevent excessive wear can you lubricate in situ ? Thank you 🙏

[@CycloneCyd]

Hi there, I would say no, in general. The UJ is sealed (when new) so applying any lube is pointless as it won't get in to the bearings. The problem with these UJs though is that over time the seals suffer from the onslaught of the environment and break down. That's when dirt and water get in and the bearings start to corrode. At that point regular application of, say, white grease can stave off the deterioration by keeping the shit out, but this can never be a perfect solution and will only last "so long". Once there's any degree of play it becomes an automatic MoT fail as a dangerous defect (if the tester 'knows his onions' that is). In my opinion, this is an Engineering defect and I'd love to meet whomever signed this off and shake him (her?) warmly by the throat. It's easy enough to change the UJ. You need a 16x40. They're widely available and around 15 quid. I'll have to do a video in the summer.

[@guitarlover302]

Hi that is so helpful 🙏 checked mine today - very little play Now I know where it is I will keep it lubricated Thanks for excellent videos you post 👍

[@CycloneCyd]

@@guitarlover302 and thank you for watching and interacting

[@kamson3359]

Hey, did you buy a new one or did you regenerate?

[@CycloneCyd]

K S I fitted a new UJ to my own shaft. 16×40 sealed. Ring these people rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F332537822154

[@karlfuller6806]

want to do this job for me lmao how much should this job be ?

[@CycloneCyd]

Lol, how long is a piece of string? A garage should be able to do this in under an hour. However, your biggest problem will be pursuading them to fit a secondhand part!! New ones are big money $$$s Whilst I can't do the whole job for you, I can recondition an extension shaft with new UJs. AFAIK no-one else is providing this service (no money in it for the breakers). Join Saab Nuts! on Facebook and search the members list for Paul Carter.

[@nathanielramirez8997]

I did this and got a traction control failure now 😤

[@CycloneCyd]

Steering angle sensor needs resetting