Steering column
Discussion
So with the onset of salt on the road I have decided to start a few jobs in the garage.
First on list is to stop the steering column shake.
I have "aquired" two sets of bearings from a mate who didn't use them on his "Cobra". They seem similar to the ones shown in the photos a few weeks ago, except I need to enlarge the hole in the footwell to allow the bearing seat to pass through and sit flush with the f/glass.
BUT I notice that there seems to be sideways movement at the top of the column, not a lot (cue Paul Daniels) but noticible. The adjustable column mounts seem tight so not sure if it just flex in the hangers. How do I tighten or remove these? Was thinking about pulling the column out totally or dropping it, but after undoing the clamp, the horizontal bolt through the clamp doesn't seem to come out. Any clues please?
Editted after I re read it later and it sounded like my 8 year old had written it.
Except for the pictures of Mummy and the dog and flowers and houses, that is.
First on list is to stop the steering column shake.
I have "aquired" two sets of bearings from a mate who didn't use them on his "Cobra". They seem similar to the ones shown in the photos a few weeks ago, except I need to enlarge the hole in the footwell to allow the bearing seat to pass through and sit flush with the f/glass.
BUT I notice that there seems to be sideways movement at the top of the column, not a lot (cue Paul Daniels) but noticible. The adjustable column mounts seem tight so not sure if it just flex in the hangers. How do I tighten or remove these? Was thinking about pulling the column out totally or dropping it, but after undoing the clamp, the horizontal bolt through the clamp doesn't seem to come out. Any clues please?
Editted after I re read it later and it sounded like my 8 year old had written it.
Except for the pictures of Mummy and the dog and flowers and houses, that is.
Edited by Skyedriver on Tuesday 19th November 13:28
The horizontal bolt does not come out easily, it's pinned in place. you'll have to get to the two vertical bolts to drop the column.
However, the structure that holds the top of the column to the car isn't particularly rigid, so I suspect you're experiencing 'normal' steering wheel wobble!
That clamp system looks very very like the Triumph Dolomite setup so Probably fitted to a few different BL vehicles then... Is that the Rover column ?
The column on my early wedge will move horizontally too, and it rattles a bit over bumps, and I wondered about adding a bar across to the side body moulding, but I see has been done on your photo, so I will probably try that out....
I've done the bearing replacement in the bulkhead and it makes a BIG difference to the heavy steering, especially when parking. Yes, you do need to open up the hole a bit.
The column on my early wedge will move horizontally too, and it rattles a bit over bumps, and I wondered about adding a bar across to the side body moulding, but I see has been done on your photo, so I will probably try that out....
I've done the bearing replacement in the bulkhead and it makes a BIG difference to the heavy steering, especially when parking. Yes, you do need to open up the hole a bit.
The Hatter said:
The horizontal bolt does not come out easily, it's pinned in place. you'll have to get to the two vertical bolts to drop the column.
However, the structure that holds the top of the column to the car isn't particularly rigid, so I suspect you're experiencing 'normal' steering wheel wobble!
Cheers guysHowever, the structure that holds the top of the column to the car isn't particularly rigid, so I suspect you're experiencing 'normal' steering wheel wobble!
Excellent helpful pic Hatter
New bearing fitted to bottom of column (footwell).
Steering shake reduced but not eliminated completely.
Still much of an improvement, thanks everyone for the advice.
Think the bearing was from a Sierra? Was going to be used on a Cobra but never got fitted so a gift from a work colleague. Thanks Martin.
Tony
Steering shake reduced but not eliminated completely.
Still much of an improvement, thanks everyone for the advice.
Think the bearing was from a Sierra? Was going to be used on a Cobra but never got fitted so a gift from a work colleague. Thanks Martin.
Tony
There's probably a few bearing types that will do the job - the one featured in the wedgepages article from a while ago was a standard type engineering bearing, which is what I bought here in NZ.
(but with a completely different part reference to the one in the article !!)
I still get column shake too, but the steering is a lot lighter, so worth doing.
IMHO -
The bracket holding the column isn't rigid enough, and my wedge doesn't have ANY side restraint/bar, and you can see the scuttle move if you pull/push the column...
It's a future job, but I reckon some steel spreader plates (possibly joined to pedal box too?) and some side bars would help a lot....
(but with a completely different part reference to the one in the article !!)
I still get column shake too, but the steering is a lot lighter, so worth doing.
IMHO -
The bracket holding the column isn't rigid enough, and my wedge doesn't have ANY side restraint/bar, and you can see the scuttle move if you pull/push the column...
It's a future job, but I reckon some steel spreader plates (possibly joined to pedal box too?) and some side bars would help a lot....
RCK974X said:
There's probably a few bearing types that will do the job - the one featured in the wedgepages article from a while ago was a standard type engineering bearing, which is what I bought here in NZ.
(but with a completely different part reference to the one in the article !!)
I still get column shake too, but the steering is a lot lighter, so worth doing.
IMHO -
The bracket holding the column isn't rigid enough, and my wedge doesn't have ANY side restraint/bar, and you can see the scuttle move if you pull/push the column...
It's a future job, but I reckon some steel spreader plates (possibly joined to pedal box too?) and some side bars would help a lot....
I thought I was imagining it, but yes the steering is lighter.(but with a completely different part reference to the one in the article !!)
I still get column shake too, but the steering is a lot lighter, so worth doing.
IMHO -
The bracket holding the column isn't rigid enough, and my wedge doesn't have ANY side restraint/bar, and you can see the scuttle move if you pull/push the column...
It's a future job, but I reckon some steel spreader plates (possibly joined to pedal box too?) and some side bars would help a lot....
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