Anybody got an SD1 steering column handy?

[Wedg1e]

I could do with an accurate measurement of the diameter of the lower part of the column, just above the splined section where the coupling attaches. I thought it was 14mm but someone (Hatter?) mentioned 9/16" recently, I'd rather get it right

For obvious reasons: I'm making up a couple of bearing adapter kits and I need to turn some sleeves to make the new bearing a perfect fit on the column:





Got to be better than this thing:



So who was it that needed one of these...?

[hallsie]

Ian

I posted this a couple of weeks ago mate, I measured on the inside of the bulkhead.

'Ive just been out and measured my steering column and its coming up a smidge over 19mm on the micrometer, so I reckon this one will do it.'

http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/Housings+&+In...

Stu

[The Hatter]

Yep, twas me. I just dug the receipt out; I used a 'SLFL 3/4' bearing and a 9/16 x 3/4 x 1 (oilite - cheating slightly!) bush. I recall having to elongate the holes in the bearing flange but otherwise it went straight on.

That's not to say that TVR were using the same parts on every car, but mine is an SD1 column. Note though that the SD1 column has height adjustment - or at least it does until you make this mod and bolt up the spherical bearing carrier. Just set the wheel to where you like to have it before you bolt everything up. The reach adjustment still works OK.

[Wedg1e]

Thanks chaps. Stu, these were a bit more expensive than that but then I am supporting my friendly local bearing supplier rather than a faceless internet one miles away
Martin: as you say, the height adjustment is compromised but I found that the column will still tilt as the bearing can swivel in the mounting plates... it's just a bit stiffer than before. Yours must have been a physically larger unit than the ones I've used which are smaller than the hole cut for the original plastic bush, hence the need for the alloy adapter plate.

[Wedg1e]

Reducing sleeves turned up on lathe earlier this evening:



The black circles will be drilled out to allow the bearing grubscrews to pass through the sleeves and grip the steering column.