Sloppy Steering In a Jaguar 420
 

I acquired a 1967 Jaguar 420 and the steering wheel will go up and down about an inch. How does one get this free play out of the steering column? I have factory power assisted steering,

Hi GCHAIT,
It sounds like your steering column bearings have dried up and fallen out. There either a plastic or rubber type material. From the parts book the they are C23593 and 23592.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...9c851f0dc8.jpg

Not those, although those are probably shot too, there's a plastic (probably nylon) bushing on the bottom of the steering column inside the car that's shot, that needs replacing.
I repaired mine with some JB Weld meant for plastic and it seems to have taken to the nylon quite well.

https://www.sngbarratt.com/uk/#!/Eng...8-4d5db9e17b7e

Hi JeffR1,
That part does not show up in the 420 parts book.
This was on the SNG website for the part you listed.

Suitable For

• Daimler 2.5 V8 / V8 250
• Mk X / Mk 10 3.8
• Mk X / Mk 10 4.2
• Mk II / Mk 2 2.4 & 240
• Mk II / Mk 2 3.4, 3.8 & 340
• S-Type 3.4, 3.8

No listing for the 420.

Could well mean thrust bushing. I would term that in & out of the column rather than up & down but I get the drift.

420 Steering Column
 

Seems thrust is carried by split cone (tapered) collets at No 18 on 420 column.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...2b488473d4.jpg

Yup ~ good price too.

Make sure you use grease designed for plastics or they will squeak!

Thank you. I dread installing these.

Sloppy steering in a Jaguar 420
 

The description appears to me to be describing that the adjustable column locking collar is slack. If this locking collar is slack the column will move in and out, on the contrary if the plastic bushes are worn the column can be moved left and right. Try tightening the column locking collar.

If you do decide to replace the column bushes then I suggest you ensure that you have a horn repair kit available, you are likely to need it. Barrett does usually have the kit in stock.

It is also a job that is a little difficult without a second pair of hands.

+1^ with the horn repair kit! A known problem area!

As a matter of fact, the horn is inoperative too. I am grateful for all of your age advice, folks. Thank you.

If your collar is tight & you are going to have to pull the column it is wise to replace the horn wear parts.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...5c46a5e5be.jpg

Which bushing is the top - the thicker one or the thinner? Thank you.

This is the upper bush. Thicker is lower.


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...820038b17d.png

Thank you.