I've got a rattle which *i think* is coming from the steering column.

Symptons
Generel rattling when driving, intermittant. The only way I can describe it is it feels like somebody's tapping the steering column with a knife or spoon...
When the offside front wheel goes over a lump or hole in the road there's a lot of rattle.

what I know
That side has a new king pin
the track rod is correctly adjusted (and attached!)
the steering is fine - no play what so ever
passenger side floor is pretty shot (but not MOT fail shot)
Chassis is solid
if i put my fingers up behind the steering lock area, it feels like there's play between the column and the bracket that holds the steering lock.
wheels & tyres are new and correctly balanced

all suggestions gratefully recieved

thank you

almost 100% king pin is it greased is there any up and down movement possible (hub up and down on the pin)?

tracking can exagerate it but sounds like there is more than the 0.4mm max vertical play at the hub, shims available from ECAS

Sean

its most likely vibing up the seering column, ive heard it before, even in my few days in cars/2cv's!

not much help tbh, but there you go!

STOP STOP! Before you drive next, definately check this!!

Whip both front wheels off and check that the two bolts holding the track rod end lever arm into the top of the hub are secure & tight.

I had a strange vibrating every now and again, checked everything, forgot about it, happened once more then... f*** no steering!!!

I was going downhill in winter in wales, steep death drop one side, cliff face rising on the other, the car dived into the cliff face but remarkably hit the only snow covered small grass patch and ground to a halt along this, got out, one wheel is facing one way, bolts had snapped, recovery home to plymouth. I'd forgotton how many close shaves I'd had in bamboo!

Check it out, drive safe

fritz

sam,
have you checked the bolts which secure the damper mounting plates onto the front arms, looking at the front offside in particular?
The damper securing nuts on those plates might also be worth a look.

Is the column tight on its splines, or can it be pulled up and down on the steering pinion?

Other possibilities could be play in the steering rack's guide bearing, or that the anti-rattle rubber on the rack has aged and is no longer doing its job.
Both of these can cause a 'chattering' noise when traversing a bumpy surface.

ken