Andrew Posted May 7, 2018 Report Share Posted May 7, 2018 I have noticed a very small amount of free play when I move my steering wheel from side to side. The free play is definedley in the steering clamp and not the U J. I have followed the WM and tightened the two bolts first then tightened the Allen screw, and locked that with the luck nut. But there is still about 1/16 free play. Is this ok or shall I try another meathod of eliminating the play. Any ideas anyone. PS I have got the flat side of the column inline with the Allen screw regards Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul H Posted May 7, 2018 Report Share Posted May 7, 2018 Hi Andrew , you need to replace the steering bushes . There is one at the top of the coulmn and one at the bottom . Its easier is you remove the steering column - Undo the top bolts and the lower clamp and the steering column will pull away - Though first you need to remove the steering wheel & detach the bullet electrical connectors . You dont say what car you have . I replaced the bushes in my Vitesse Mk2 recently - check this post Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted May 7, 2018 Report Share Posted May 7, 2018 youre right the slip joint should not have any play, if the centre screw is nipped up then its look elsewhere as paul suggests nothing stopping you giving the lockscrew a bit more torque , but its there to collapse it cant be super rigid but to eliminate the assy its ok to tighten a little more, and reset when you have a answer. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted May 7, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2018 Hi all sorry my car is a 13/60 herald. Column bushes should not resolve the left to right steering play shoul it. I thought bushes worn bushes are only going to effect up and down vertical play. Please correct me if I am wrong regards andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted May 8, 2018 Report Share Posted May 8, 2018 Wilst most wear in this column bush tends to be in the vertical plane probably due tomthe weight of the wheel But no any bush wear can be up down or side to side Drill the lugs off the old bush and press/push new bush in ontop of the old one Some new bushes are unfortunately worse than the worn one Search as other posts on here have suggestions, including uprated and ebay and some silly prices are available Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Caswell Posted May 8, 2018 Report Share Posted May 8, 2018 I think Andrew is describing an issue with turning the steering wheel left to right it seems the sliding clamp is not pulling up tight. Not sure what the cure would be other than to take the whole assembly out and dress the flat part of the top column ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted May 8, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2018 Hello Ben yes I am talking about turning the wheel left and right. I cannot see how I can cure this slight play, there is definitely a bit of free play when you turn the wheel when nothing happens regards Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteH Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Hi When turning the wheel, What actually moves?. The whole column assembly?, Or just the shaft within?.1/16" on the top of the steering wheel would seem to be a very small amount, definitely not an MOT fail anyway. If it is bushes then replacing them would seem the only answer?. The "Canley" illustration shows what I assume is the bush (4) (described as "Clip Cancelling?" 140549) which appears to be the only "wearing part". My Steering column is currently hung up in the garage, awaiting refurb; (along with the rest of the car!). I will take a look later. Whilst on the subject, has anyone ever done an Electric Power Steering mod?. Might greatly assist with the "Old Arthritis"? Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Electric Pstg has been fitted to a number of cars, Doug has one in his area Amd to really check rotational free play i would clamp the lower colmn with some moles to prove its realy the slip, joint Or lower down the column most play is the uj or in the rack Clamp the lower and it eliminates or proves its slip join or hand wheel boss Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Pete, H & L, Electric power steering is more complicated than I though and a garage job. Richard, who had it done, may be on later to explain. IIRC the unit came from a small Japanese car. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 It is probably cheaper, and easier, to just sell the car and buy a Stag. I jest not. A friend did this, and hasn't looked back. Misses the drive/sportiness of his 2.5 spitfire, but now enjoys the ability to use his car far more. Especially as his "handler" likes it too. That is my plan for when it comes to it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Clive, My plan too, It's increasingly difficult to bend in the middle and get my legs and head into the GT6. And as for getting out! Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteH Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 41 minutes ago, clive said: It is probably cheaper, and easier, to just sell the car and buy a Stag. I jest not. A friend did this, and hasn't looked back. Misses the drive/sportiness of his 2.5 spitfire, but now enjoys the ability to use his car far more. Especially as his "handler" likes it too. That is my plan for when it comes to it. Sounds like a good idea, Fall`s down when you look at the prices of DECENT Stags. As I have the whole plot to rebuild anyway, incorporating it may not be so problematical. Deciding the "Donor" could be the tricky part. Some small Vauxhall's and Fiats?, are early contenders perhaps?. Or a "write off" later car?. The Electronic "brains" could need reprogramming?. It would be interesting to hear if/from anyone who has done it. As for the O-P. just spent 1/2 an hour "playing" with my Column, there appears to be NO "play", indicating wear in the bearings, at all in the column but fore and aft movement is nearly 1/8". (having trouble loading the Pic`s) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Pete, I knew it was here somewhere, a wonderful thing the search facility! Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 A chap (Roy) who lives in West Sussex fitted one to his spitfire. I have driven the car, made the steering very easy. You may be able to track him down? But I think to have q car converted is 3k, but that figure may be my mind playing tricks. DIY is possible, but not as simple as it seems. The price difference is not that great, with the advantage that a stag is all-round easier to get in/out etc. Plus space for golf clubs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlubikey Posted May 9, 2018 Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Well done Doug. Saved me digging out the photos and posting all over again. PeteH - any questions, just ask! Cheers, Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted May 9, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Good suggestion of clamping the lower shaft, I will have a go this weekend and report back. Thanks for the idea regards Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteH Posted May 10, 2018 Report Share Posted May 10, 2018 21 hours ago, dougbgt6 said: Pete, I knew it was here somewhere, a wonderful thing the search facility! Doug 9 hours ago, Andrew said: Good suggestion of clamping the lower shaft, I will have a go this weekend and report back. Thanks for the idea regards Andrew Hi Forgot there had been a previous post! (And I even Posted!!). Mind 2016 is many "sleeps" ago. Been looking at the like of "Commercial" Units, and the cost is the factor £700+ (with Vat). The attraction of a Stag?, Well for me part of the object of the Herald is the fact that it is smaller and lighter and in theory could be towed behind my Motorhome, to more distant Venues would be a "No, No" for "er indoors" these days. And thereby makes a better bet, for MY particular Life-style. Just a further a thought on the original posting, The Clamp(s) on the U-J joint are fully Tight?. If not that would introduce "Slack" into the system, and they are not easy to get at "in-situ". Clamping the lower shaft would show that up?. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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