The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

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

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.

Be sure to check it hasn't come loose, they're good at this. Loctite is recommended.

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.

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.

trackerjack wrote: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?

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

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

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...

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.

80Sprint wrote: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!

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.