Help thin crowsfoot req
Discussion
I need a specialist tool, anyone know of a manufacturer or supplier. Its to adjust the play on a steering box. 19mm lock nut then the adjuster is a 6mm Allen key, I can cut a key down to fit
The locknut is recessed, and only about 10mm clearance so no sockets, ring spanners, open-ended spanners. Thinking of a crowsfoot type spanner with a lip but thin, made out of plate.
Any ideas of a supplier?
What I'm after is this sort of profile.
But thin with a handle, like a bicycle spanner.
The locknut is recessed, and only about 10mm clearance so no sockets, ring spanners, open-ended spanners. Thinking of a crowsfoot type spanner with a lip but thin, made out of plate.
Any ideas of a supplier?
What I'm after is this sort of profile.
But thin with a handle, like a bicycle spanner.
The steering boss is mounted on 3x10mm high bosses, so sitting 10mm proud of the chassis rail. The adjuster is recessed into the steering box a 19mm locknut with 6mm Allen screw.
Conveniently it's recessed into the side of the box mounted to the chassis rail. I can just see it with a mirror.
It's a Merc SL, no response from the UK forums, the workshop manual shows a LHD different mounting and better access.
I found a blind grommet on the inside of chassis rail, looks like an access point. No such luck, it doesn't have a corresponding point on the outside of the rail.
Looks like homemade tools are the way forward, good job it's not desperate.
Conveniently it's recessed into the side of the box mounted to the chassis rail. I can just see it with a mirror.
It's a Merc SL, no response from the UK forums, the workshop manual shows a LHD different mounting and better access.
I found a blind grommet on the inside of chassis rail, looks like an access point. No such luck, it doesn't have a corresponding point on the outside of the rail.
Looks like homemade tools are the way forward, good job it's not desperate.
GreenV8S said:
So you have a 10mm high gap the tool has to fit in. How far will it need to reach down into the recess to engage with the nut? And how much radial gap is there around the outside of the nut?
Probably 5mm deep would do it. Radial gap not sure, it's hard to see, but I imagine if the box is removed I'd be able to get swan neck or socket on it. With access that tight, I suspect your idea of cutting down a box spanner and welding a handle on would be the easiest idea if you can weld - a ground off socket with a pair of flats filed on the outside would be the option if you don't have access to a welder. Either way you may need to cut a slot in the side to get access for the adjustment key.
Unbolting may work, as would drilling through the chassis, but I'd rather not.
My current plan is to cut a box spanner down, so I can slot it over the lock nut, then use a spanner on the outside flats. Or cut the spanner in such a way that Id leave a long strip of metal, bend the strip though 90 degrees to make a handle. (do you think I'd need heat to do this or would a vice, hammer, which are readily available work) I don't have a welder, but could beg a favour if need be.
My current plan is to cut a box spanner down, so I can slot it over the lock nut, then use a spanner on the outside flats. Or cut the spanner in such a way that Id leave a long strip of metal, bend the strip though 90 degrees to make a handle. (do you think I'd need heat to do this or would a vice, hammer, which are readily available work) I don't have a welder, but could beg a favour if need be.
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