The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

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 Post subject: Steering advice
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2014 2:06 pm 
Hi everyone

One of the things that continues to be a problem with my car is play in the steering. I have replaced the lower steering knuckle joint in the past 12 months, but once again it is knackered. I am a little worried the car won't pass scrutineering for the Albany race meeting as is so I do have to do something about this quickly. The car is only used for competition, so I am hoping there is a better solution than cheap reproduction parts from Rimmers and the like. Any help gratefully received.

Cheers

Paul Roberts
Perth, Western Australia


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 Post subject: Paul..
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2014 2:14 pm 
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Location: Caithness, Scotland
Two options...
1. Rebuild an original (not reproduction) coupling using Superflex bushes.
2. Use a forged (not pressed) UJ instead (from a T2000 manual steering). The intermediate shaft may need shortening.





Ian.

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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2014 7:23 pm 
Be sure to check it hasn't come loose, they're good at this. Loctite is recommended.


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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2014 10:34 am 
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Escort gp4 steering joint is basically the same thing. I needed to reduce the shaft length a bit and it was then a tight squeeze.

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Brighton


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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Sat May 10, 2014 5:44 pm 
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I used a lower joint from an Allegro as it is virtually identical to the Escort item.

I also have a good as new fast rack for a Sprint here in my garage 2.6 turns lock to lock.
For the correct amount of beer vouchers it can be yours.

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track action maniac.

The lunatic is out................heres Jonny!


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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Sat May 10, 2014 7:02 pm 
Quote:
I used a lower joint from an Allegro as it is virtually identical to the Escort item.

I also have a good as new fast rack for a Sprint here in my garage 2.6 turns lock to lock.
For the correct amount of beer vouchers it can be yours.
How many beer tokens exactly?


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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Mon May 12, 2014 12:12 pm 
Trackerjack, your offer is very tempting. There are many excellent craft beers here that I can recommend following many hours of extensive research!! My problem, of course, may be getting said craft beer to you in one piece!! Still, I am wondering how difficult it would be to get a steering rack shipped? Food for thought ...

Allegros were never sold here in Australia, but Escorts are obviously a ubiquitous model so that does give me a potential alternative.

Once again, thanks to everyone who replied. It is very much appreciated. This forum is sometimes a bit of a lifeline. I have a great group of Triumph "aholic" friends with Heralds, Mk 1 PI race cars, Spitfires, Stags, TRs from 2 to 8, but I am the only one in the club who competes in a Sprint. All of the feedback received when I do post on the forum is always greatly received.

Cheers

Paul Roberts
Perth, Western Australia


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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Tue May 13, 2014 3:22 pm 
Can you tell me whether it is Mk 1 or Mk2 Escort for the steering knuckle as there seems to be a difference. If someone can let me know ASAP, I can probably get this ordered and on the car before scrutineering in a week and half time. I am assuming this is what I need.http://smckaperformance.com.au/shop/ste ... ng-long-2/

Thanks again

Paul Roberts
Perth, Western Australia


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 Post subject: Paul...
PostPosted: Wed May 14, 2014 9:40 am 
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The Escort mark one group four cars use a T2000 manual steering upper UJ.
That is the one you want.

In the UK proper forged original equipment UJs are much cheaper from Triumph suppliers such as Chris Witor
than they are from the Escort specialists.
Apparently they offer pressed joints on Escorts because of clearance issues (?) but there is plenty of room for the
superior forged type on your Dolomite :) .


Ian.

PS from the T2000 register register it seems there are a few saloons racing in Western Australia, a possible source of parts?
Thompson is the surname of one such person...

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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2014 6:29 am 
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Not in my experience Ian. I fitted the forged type from one of the rally suppliers recommended on here and had to shave a bit off the inner wing seam to get enough clearance. It was easy enough to do however and still worked.

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1980 Vermillion Sprint - 174bhp


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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Sat May 17, 2014 8:53 pm 
Quote:
Not in my experience Ian. I fitted the forged type from one of the rally suppliers recommended on here and had to shave a bit off the inner wing seam to get enough clearance. It was easy enough to do however and still worked.
I thought I was the only one who had to do this!


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 Post subject: Re: Steering advice
PostPosted: Tue May 27, 2014 12:52 pm 
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Ian, Andy Thompson is the man to whom you refer. He also posts on the Club Triumph forum and his Blog is featured on their website.

Paul, if it is just the rubber that's perished then the Super Flex bush option is the one to go for. The same hardness as rubber with the durability and longevity of poly. Super Flex should be easily available in your corner of the universe.

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Toledo Man

West Yorkshire Area Organiser & forum moderator
Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm at The Old Brickworks, Wakefield Road, Drighlington, Bradford, BD11 1EA

1972 Dolomite 1850 auto (NYE 751L - Now for sale)
2003 Volvo XC90 D5 SE (PX53 OVZ - The daily driver)
2009 Mercedes-Benz W204 C200 CDI Sport (BJ58 NCV - The 2nd car)
1991 Toyota Celica GT (J481 ONB - another project car)
Former stable of SAY 414M (1974 Toledo), GRH 244D (1966 1300fwd), CDB 324L (1973 1500fwd), GGN 573J (1971 1500fwd), DCP 625S (1977 Dolomite 1300) & LCG 367N (1975 Dolomite Sprint) plus 5 Acclaims and that's just the Triumphs!

Check my blog at http://triumphtoledo.blogspot.com
My YouTube Channel with a bit of Dolomite content.

"There is only one way to avoid criticsm: Do nothing, say nothing and BE nothing." Aristotle


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