Paul H Posted February 8, 2018 Report Share Posted February 8, 2018 What’s the best way to access the Steering Unit Coupling on my Vitesse . I’m looking to add an earthing strap so my horn will start working. I can access the lower bolt close to the rack but that’s all . Do I need to remove the steering column to get access. Thanks in advance Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted February 8, 2018 Report Share Posted February 8, 2018 have you tried a extension and come up from underneath, the uj does sort of hide behind the suspn turret the universal may need the upper colmn lifting to get the unit out/off the shaft other option is simpler add a DIY sprung sweeper brush thingy to mount on the baulkhead and rub onto the top column shaft and if removed and its all a bit past it try the modern uj sold by many , doesnt need the earth link Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul H Posted February 8, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2018 Thanx Pete. Ill try from underneath. Need access as bottom bolt was finger tight and top bolt is missing . How long its been in this state i dont know as its the only mechanical i havent checked since ive had the vitesse. Relied on the mot checks which were fine . Mot guys were also very thorough. Once out ill check for play Paul . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted February 8, 2018 Report Share Posted February 8, 2018 if its in trouble fit one of these eg rimmers https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-FAM1718UJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted February 8, 2018 Report Share Posted February 8, 2018 Had one, went back to the original type. I've nearly as many from autojumbles as I have ignition switches, which for some reason I keep buying when I see them... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteH Posted February 9, 2018 Report Share Posted February 9, 2018 Hi When in operation roughly how much "flex" is in the Joint?. If it where not a great deal. What would be the objection to making up a Steel flexible inter-plate, from (say) several layers of Shim?. To replace the Composite material. giving both flex and continuity?. Just a thought?. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted February 9, 2018 Report Share Posted February 9, 2018 Dont know the answer to that idea, other than if any disc fails the yokes on the shafts do interlock so theres some degree of fail safe The fibre rubber disc has lasted all these years amd well, proven, the solid uj gives more feedback but can seize up and make for lumpy steering Was commonly on fiesta, s way back. Steering like a thruppybit When assembling the shafts the forks/yoke must be at 12 oclock/3 oclock , to make a + not a x Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteH Posted February 9, 2018 Report Share Posted February 9, 2018 Just cogitating, But with the plethora of parts, some with potential for corrosion, between the Horn push and the Earth/Horn. The idea of directly connecting via a "brush" might be quite appealing?. Just a simple "wiper" on the column, would, as Pete said, Suffice?. May be when I get round to wiring I will look at it as an option, adding any wiring into the loom and locating under the dash, whilst the whole thing is still dismantled. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul H Posted March 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 On 2/8/2018 at 2:33 PM, Paul H said: Thanx Pete. Ill try from underneath. Need access as bottom bolt was finger tight and top bolt is missing . How long its been in this state i dont know as its the only mechanical i havent checked since ive had the vitesse. Relied on the mot checks which were fine . Mot guys were also very thorough. Once out ill check for play Paul . UPDATE Finally accessed the steering UJ at the base of the steering column - Access is ni on impossible to reach from above as the top bolt as its covered by a chassis arm - my previous post identified that I had a loose lower bolt and a missing top bolt !!! so only the spline was holding the column to the steering rack. Access was carried out by removing the steering clamp under the dash and a connector which operates the crush zone . Its then a case of withdrawing the steering column top section into the cabin - plus removing cables etc . This is what I found. The top section of the steering UJ had no bolt because the spines were covering the bolt access - another explanation could be the splines jumped because there was no bolt . Worth a check on your Triumph ? Paul 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave.vitesse Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Well done Paul, bet you are glad you followed up play in the steering. I have found access to the bolts is possible from the top and side. The earth bridging strap for the horn is also missing. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Last one I dismantled, the bolt was curved to clear the column, and would only fit in one specific orientation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave.vitesse Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Had the same Colin, plus ones with a flat on the shank. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanMi Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 Mine has a gap in the splines where the bolt can pass so try pushing the joint a bit further on to the shaft so the bolt hole lines up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave.vitesse Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 Yes should be one on the end of the steering column. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteH Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 Hi On both the Steering Rack and the bottom of the column, are Grooves, These are to allow the bolts to pass through, they also mean that when/if the bolts are slack the column cannot detach from the rack, unless the bolt is missing altogether, you will however experience slackness in the steering. The 2 Pictures, are taken from the Haynes Manual. (in this case for the Vittesse because the clarity is better, but the Herald is the same). It also shows the Earthing strap, without which the Horn will be at best intermittent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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