Steering shaft stripped splines - Just weld it up?

Hi lads,

Just replaced a busted steering box. Last piece of the puzzle is sorting the steering shaft to the steel steering coupler (just before the rubber coupler). The steel coupler slides into the steering shaft.

The steering shaft, even when clamped tight onto the steel coupler, turns about the splined steel coupler when you reach end to end and try to push a little further. It appears that i'm using the stock diameter bolt, and despite this the flat spot on the metal splined coupler doesn't stop the steering shaft from spinning about the splined coupler.

Is the steering shaft meant to be splined as well?
Should I just weld the steering shaft to the steel steering coupler for a permanent fixture? (its a baja).

thanks,
Just thought i should ask the wise prior to gun-hoeing with the arc welder.

All help appreciated 🙂

Chris.

I think I thought the same thing a few years ago. Check the diameter of the securing bolt. Mine had been replaced with the wrong size. Replaced with a solid shaft in the middle and threads either side. Problem solvered.

It appears splined but I don't think they are. Looked at 4 other steering shafts to check. All in the same condition

Thanks mate 👍

Maybe i could cut tube to slide on the middle of the bolt to lock in that flat spot

And make sure it's free of any oil or grease.

bajachris88 wrote:...prior to gun-hoeing with the arc welder.

"gung ho"; from the Chinese characters which mean working together, brought into English via US forces, but nothing to do with either guns or hoes.

hth

I rekn welding the 2 bits together will make them work together as a team admirably.

Chris ,just keep in mind that it is illegal to weld any steering components

OZ Towdster wrote:Chris ,just keep in mind that it is illegal to weld any steering components

X2

Plus make sure you pack it out with washers this time!

Or rack and pinion, all the cool kids are doing it 😀



Smiley 🙂

Ah! Phew! Thanks for the welding heads up 🙂

I sleeved the tie rods and spot welded tube over em' to toughen em' up. Is that still okay? (the spot welding on the tie rods)