Steering Column

[Mad Mart]

As promised in another thread, I have done extensive research into this.

Q. Do you need to slacken the column adjusting knob to be able to retract the lower section of the column?

A. No.

As I said, I have done this many times before & here are a few pics to prove it (ok, you'll have to take my word for it ).


Steering column extended as far as it will go...




Steering column retracted as far as it will go...




Clamp tightened up & lower section moves freely in & out...




The clamp only clamps against the top outer section.

[Spunkymonkey]

If you think about it, that would have to be the case. If it didn't clamp the top bit then the wheel would be free to move and, if it did clamp the bottom bit, then the shaft couldn't turn because it'd be clamped to a fixed point on the car

Nice pics to demonstrate though

[JPB]

Ah, I see, I've been talking about a column that's still attached to the car, so the bearing/bush type thing at the end of the lower section isn't free to move, so where I've been popping the clamp apart, you've dropped the brackets from behind the dash to achieve the same result. Ta for clearing that up.

[Mad Mart]

I only did this demonstration as some where saying that you have to loosen the steering clamp when changing the bulkhead bush.

[Mad Mart]

Ah, I see, I've been talking about a column that's still attached to the car, so the bearing/bush type thing at the end of the lower section isn't free to move, so where I've been popping the clamp apart, you've dropped the brackets from behind the dash to achieve the same result. Ta for clearing that up.

No John, it works the same as this without undoing anything. This is just a spare column I have lying around & thought it would be easier to demonstrate.

[JPB]

I see what you mean, but knowing my luck, if I'd tried to pull the column inwards like that without first clearing the clamp out of the way, the bearings would have moved and I'd only have ended up needing to remove the whole thing to re-site them which, I'd guess, is why the book states that the clamp needs to be split.

[DavePoth]

I've done it too, and as I said the only reason I loosened the clamp was to make a slide hammer.

[MIG Wielder]

Thanks for that Mart; I see what you mean. One large serving of humble pie for me.
May I have some curry sauce on it, please nicely ?
Thanks folks,
Tony.TDC 0091

[r1150rt]

This is great many thanks. it was me who asked the question in the first place in my resto thread. My lower bearing/bush is shot and there is excessive movement in the column where it passes through the bulkhead.
What i would really like if possible, is a shot of this lower bearing. There is nothing there on my car, just the plate that is bolted to the bulkhead, and the bare column passing through it.
The workshop manual doesn't show any details of the bearing/bush set up. I would love to know what it looks like, and where I can buy a new one. Especially now as I know how to fit it!!!!!

[sprint95m]

This bush is available in Superflex (SPF2109) from Chris Witor or Wins International.

Superflex bushes are an excellent investment.

[r1150rt]

Brilliant thanks.

[Mad Mart]

It's just a nylon bush that pushes into the hole (which hopefully is still round).