Ok - does anybody know what this is ?

when i turn the steering wheel i can hear a loud Knock. it seems to happen about every 400 degrees ( a bit more than 1 full turn and is definately coming from the upper part of the column. I have looked at the steering lock and that is not it. If I disconnect the column from the rack completely and just turn the wheel then I still hear it

Oh one other detail i have just thoguht of - it only happens when i turn the wheel clockwise

It is a standard 87 Sierra column (not height adjustable)

Any clues ?

knackered column bush/bearing where it passes through the bulk head?

knackered bearings in the column itself?

it might be easier/quicker to replace the whole column rather than trying to find/solve the problem.

Nick

Any joints catching? I had a similar problem and it was a knuckle joint on mine catching on the bottom of the alternator very slightly.

not that i can see and if it was then I would expect every 360 degrees not more ?

it feels and sounds like a spring or something around the column inside the casing winding up and then 'skiping'

Could it be some thing to to with switch gear like where the indiactor stalk comes up against the column.

I had something similiar when I fitted a replacement steering wheel.The boss didnt have a cut out to locate the indicator self cancelling arm.I left it off to try the steering wheel boss on and found the steering was lumpy and stiff and knocked when turned. The plastic arm acted as a spacer to locate the top steering roller bearing inner race , when i fitted it all was ok again.
Paul