Steering column - radial orientation?

[Aidsaunders]

Should the flat section on the steering column be nominally horizontal with the front wheels pointing straight ahead? Will that then mean that the direction indicators cancellation works correctly? 

[Colin Lindsay]

No, it's the orientation of the clip on the upper steering column that works the indicator cancel, so ideally it should be at right angles and centralised to the indicator switch so that both cancel at the same angle of steering. You'll find that the cancelling clip is either welded on (some cars) or clipped on (some others, never sure which exactly) so that a protrusion on it fits into a dimple on the column, so unless you modify it slightly you'll have to have the column in one particular setting for the indicators. It's easiest to have the upper column set for the indicators, with the lower section lightly but not fully screwed in place, until you get the position correct including how far you want the column and wheel to sit upwards according to your preferred driving position, allowing for the downward movement you'll have when lowering it all onto the rack. Then tighten all up to the recommended torque and adjust the outer tube to suit.

Edited October 7 by Colin Lindsay

[Pete Lewis]

 

 

there are inner columns which have a drilled dimple for the cancel clip to locate and it resists slippage

if thats not oriented the column needs a change in the shaft splines at the UJ or the rack 

Pete

[Aidsaunders]

Ok, so, Colin & Pete, I have a clipped on (locate into the drilling in the upper column)indicator cancellation piece. This should be nominally middled about the indicator stalk with the front wheels pointing straight ahead. Correct? 

[Colin Lindsay]

Yes. If it's off slightly from dead-straight-ahead you'll find the indicators don't cancel equally, and perhaps one may not cancel at all. Centralise the wheels and line up the column to those before pushing the inner column down onto the steering coupling at the rack and tightening fully. 

[DanMi]

The best way to set it right is to count the number of turns lock to lock, then turn the wheel back exactly half that number (centralise the rack) now undo the column from the rack and set the column such that the clip is at 3 oclock (my column also has an oval on the end which will now be vertical), then put the wheel on straight and finally set the tracking straight ahead with the wheel in this position. Much better than assuming that the current straight ahead is correct

Edited October 11 by DanMi