Steering play

[AlanH]

I have been trying to track down the play in my steering (about 3/4 - 1").

It looks like the intermediate shaft is moving in the lower knuckle joint. I think that the splines on the knuckle joint are worn.

Winns do a joint that they say is 'a huge improvement on the original' but it is quite expensive.

Has anybody used these?

Also, is it normal for these to wear in this area.?

[Flyfisherman]

Alan

There are several lower steering knuckle around -
Solid type knuckle - which I am assuming Wins have is it like this one http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-FAM1718P,

The other two are very similar to look, they have rubber bushes fitted on the securing screws for the two half of the knuckle (Fram 1718) http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-FAM1718. This one cannot be repaired where the model prior to this one
can be - a replacement poly bush kit can be purchase from Chris Witor http://www.superflex.co.uk/proddetail.p ... F374-1179K

I suspect the type you have a earlier FAM1718 model and the rubber bushes have perished which is causing you to have the rotational play in the steering.

A picture would help to identify which model it is.

Paul

[Toledo Man]

Alan's car is a later one being on a V registration but it could have either type. I second Paul's recommendation of the Super Flex bush if this is an option. We could do with a photo.

[cliftyhanger]

I had similar problems, and fitted a solid UJ version to my column. It is the same as a group4 escort joint, also used on a few triumphs.
I had to reduce the length of the intermediate column a little to fit it as the UJ takes up a bit of extra space over the old type joints.

I did rebush an old joint on my vitesse years ago, but comparing the costs of the rebush kit against the solid UJ it seems daft unless you have a real desire to keep the original one. But as the new UJ matches the one at the top of the shaft, I don't see an issue.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw= ... +&_sacat=0

[Flyfisherman]

Alan

have a look at the attached thread - does your coupling look like this one
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=26691&hilit=+coupling
This is the one that you require the re-bushing kit for.


or does it look like the Fram1718 model on Rimmers web site
http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-FAM1718
This one cannot be repaired.

Paul

[Jon Tilson]

The universal joints rarely go.
The flexible coupling on the other hand goes all the time.

You can repair your old one with new small bushes or get a new one.

Jonners

[cliftyhanger]

That is true, the vast majority of couplings I have seen have been the later type without the locking wire, and the bolt-ends have been (factory) squashed to prevent them undoing. I guess the bolt ends could be chopped off, but the bolts are special shouldered ones and not easy/cheap to find. I suppose the chopped ones could be refitted, and the edges punched to stop them undoing.

I have also heard Viton o-rings work pretty well as replacement bushes, and are rather cheaper than polybush.

Saying all that, solid UJ's are (personally speaking) the obvious answer.

[sprint95m]

Solid type knuckle - which I am assuming Wins have is it like this one http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-FAM1718P,

You should have checked with Geoff Winns first since you may actually be doing him a disservice,
he sold me an original equipment Triumph 2000 manual steering upper UJs for this application. These are the proper forged type, not the cheap quality pressed alternative.
Given that they are still being made I guess Winns still sell the OE type.

Incidently, these T2000 UJs are also sold by Ford specialists as Escort Group 4 joints, but given the price differential I would stick with the Triumph specialists
such as Winns International or Chris Witor.





Ian.

[AlanH]

I don't think that I can repair the joint because the shaft is turning in it.

I have put this video in my drop box which I think shows the problem (it may take a while to start).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y7i3qhdw2m831 ... 9.mov?dl=0

I think the spline have gone in the joint.

[Flyfisherman]

I don't think that I can repair the joint because the shaft is turning in it.

I have put this video in my drop box which I think shows the problem (it may take a while to start).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y7i3qhdw2m831 ... 9.mov?dl=0

I think the spline have gone in the joint.

Alan

I would agree with you - its the knuckle or joint splines causing the problem, however there is some movement within the knuckle as well. New knuckle or joint required - before you order your knuckle, (from whoever your approved parts supplier is) I would removed the upper steering shaft and check to see if there is any damage to those splines - I doubt there will be any damage to those splines as the shaft is made from proper steel where the lower knuckle is probably made from monkey metal (poor quality metal).

Paul

[sprint95m]

I don't think that I can repair the joint because the shaft is turning in it.
I think the spline have gone in the joint.

I concur, you need a new lower joint or a rebuildable replacement.
If it was me, I would replace the intermediate shaft too and also the bolts & nylocs, for peace of mind if nothing other.




Ian.

[Jon Tilson]

Wow, never seen play on the splines like that before.

I think as the guys say have the whole intermediate shaft off and see if the wear is in the splines or in the hole in the flexible joint.

Jonners

[Carledo]

Wear on the splines is usually attributable to some numpty in the past not tightening the pinchbolt thoroughly enough.
Its pretty rare, but I have seen it before! As above, replace the lower joint, either sort will do but the U/J'd sort is worth the extra cost and effort cos it lasts a lot longer. With the intermediate shaft, it's harder to determine wear in the splines. Probably the best test is to put the new joint over it whilst it is still off the car, put a pinchbolt through, nip it up and see if there is any movement. If you are in any doubt though, change the intermediate as well, money is nothing compared with a steering failure!

Steve

[AlanH]

The fact that the splines have gone does not surprise me at all given what else I have found on the car.

I am going to get them out of the car today and order the new parts. This is a bit disappointing because I'm always suspicious of third party bits (I've owned Triumphs for a few years now).

With regard to the lower joint I was thinking of the chunky one from Rimmers. However this is not an option because they are out of stock until next year. The UJ one is actually slightly cheaper but looks a bit flimsy. Steve says that the UJ one is more expensive, so is this a different type, possibly the one from Winns?. I will give them a ring.

ANG do one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRIUMPH-SPITF ... 51c387bd3a

Which looks very close to the original. I quite like the look of that.

Any feedback would be very welcome.

[AlanH]

Just rang Winns, he tells me it is pressed steel.