Steering column flexible rubber coupling

[llessur]

Now the engine's out of my 2500 I've been able to take a good look at the flexible rubber coupling on the steering column and it seems to be shot:

I'm very wary of modern rubber components as from experience they tend only to last a few months before falling apart - this seems to be especially true of any metal-bonded components like engine mounts and the like. In the absence of any NOS offerings turning up, I was just interested in hearing if anyone's had any luck with renewing this coupling with a brand new part? Being so safety critical I don't really want to take any chances with it.

Failing that, can the whole lower column be replaced for the non-PAS version with UJs top and bottom? What was the point of fitting the rubber coupling to the PAS cars? Was it just for vibration dampening?

Edit: After a bit of googling I found on a TR4 forum that a SuperPro poly version for the mk2 Escort apparently fits the TR4. The part number (150696) is the same for the 2500 and the TR4 so perhaps this is worth a shot? Although at £60 it's a bit pricey...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332464905820?ul_noapp=true

[RogerH]

The rubber UJ from Moss appear to be OK. I see they do two types now (early and Late - this is on the TR4/4A)

Thanks for the info on the superPro offering.

Out of interest I see that you have the same steel clamp as fitted to the TR4/4A.  I found there was an issue with the castings on these.

This issue cause the clamp not to clamp adequately.. 

A small cut/slot is required to remove excess metal that impedes the clamping. Only one side of the clamp needs relieving      See attached photo

 

Roger

 

[Pete Lewis]

my kit from CW i fitted to my Mk2  has an lower UJ  and the upper is a disc type,  well it  all fits , there is no back feed back etc.  

no ideas why the Pstg had the small rotoflex 

pete

 

 

[llessur]

Cheers for the info Roger/Pete.

15 hours ago, RogerH said:

The rubber UJ from Moss appear to be OK. I see they do two types now (early and Late - this is on the TR4/4A)

I've done a bit more googling and it seems the later TR4 coupling is part number 150697 as used on the 2500 which is 33mm deep whereas the earlier coupling is part number 21H5384 which is only 26mm and I don't think uses the same cross-drilled bolts that the former does. It does seem they're interchangeable on the TR4 though.

According to the ebay listing for the SuperPro bush, that one is 25.5mm so whether that would fit on the 2500's column I'm not sure. I'll have to have a look when I get home tonight.

I've got a new CW-supplied rubber coupling so considering the cost of the poly one and also the disc-type CW shaft I'm tempted just to fit that at the moment and monitor it to see how it holds up. If it starts to perish I'll think again...