ninerwfo

Hello folks, I have finally tracked down the little "clack" in my steering to the pin that retains the steering U joint collar under the dash (NOT the one in the engine bay just above the rack). Everything else is tight, but when the steering wheel is wiggled, there is play between the pin, and the U joint collar it goes through (see pic)



I was going to push out the pin, and replace the U joint with one that has a pinch bolt on both ends, but I can't seem to find a U joint like that with the correct dimensions. So now I am wondering about welding.

Would anyone have violent objections if I just welded the pin and the collar to the lower shaft of the steering? Can you see anything bad that might happen?

Or does anyone have another technique for stopping the slop at this point? Many thanks