Steering Column Overhaul

[Paulfrazer]

Having had my Stag for getting on for 3 years I have got round to reading the owner's manual. From this I have realised that the steering column should move in and out as well as up and down. Mine does the latter but will not move in and out. I have just seen a YouTube video about this and it seems that the rubber bushes between the inner and outer columns have degraded. The video also mentions replacing the bottom bush on the inner column. A couple of questions occur to me regarding all this

1 The bottom metal bush is contained within an outer holder. Does it require a press to get the new one into the holder or does it just push in?

2 There is an upper bush between the inner and outer columns. It looks rather difficult to replace this. There is a little play at the steering wheel but not much. What are the symptoms of that requiring replacement?

3 Are there and comprehensive instructions regarding overhauling the column?

Thank you
Paul

[jbuckl]

There’s a document in the technical section on the lower column bush .

https://socforum.com/forum/forum/stag-owners-club/technical-section/running-gear/16467-lower-column-bush-replacement

[Paulfrazer]

Ah yes, thank you. It seems fairly straightforward. What about any other bushes in the inner column?

[jbuckl]

There was a kit put together for the whole job.
Seems to be out of stock at paddocks.

The star washer behind the steering wheel is best replaced with a collar & 3 grub screw conversion, which should be pre-loaded when fitting.

the reach adjuster clamp bolt is retained by a 1/8” roll pin which must be removed before the clamp can be disassembled.

sujitroy has a YouTube video on that.

fwiw it may just be worth buying a used column to make ready to swap over.

[Philip Wardle]

The various parts appear to be in stock at Robsport .. other suppliers may have then too


Screenshot 2024-06-11 at 19.31.28.png

[jbuckl]

152597 is the shear bolt part number if you need it

a csk internal hex bolt will also do the job… cannot recall the thread size …. Possibly 5/16 unc though 1”/1/4” long? (Guessing)

https://www.jamespaddock.co.uk/steering-lock-shear-bolt-2

[jbuckl]

FWIW my car felt loads better after a column rebuild…. Took ages to get around to doing it…. Well worthwhile though.

[Paulfrazer]

Thank you for the information, all. I think I will get a spare column and refurbish that. Does anyone have experience of getting those shear bolts out?

[DJT]

Thank you for the information, all. I think I will get a spare column and refurbish that. Does anyone have experience of getting those shear bolts out?

First time I did it was using a centre punch. Hit it off-centre and towards the anti-clockwise direction. Another method is with a Dremel type tool with a small cutting disc to cut a slot in the end, then use a screwdriver. If you do that, you can re-use the same ones.

[Paulfrazer]

Thank you, Dave. It sounds as though once you get some purchase on it, it will undo fairly easily
I am picking up a spare column tomorrow

[Paulfrazer]

Despite thinking I was being very careful I have managed to lose the screw that holds the lower bush . I came across a thread which gave its dimensions when I was researching the project but I cannot find it now. Can anyone let me know its dimensions please? I found the locking washer but no sign of the screw itself

[Philip Wardle]

ISTR its a no. 10 UNF flat countersunk 1/4" long, 80 degree angle on the contersink seems to work well

[jbuckl]

ISTR its a no. 10 UNF flat countersunk 1/4" long, 80 degree angle on the contersink seems to work well

Good stuff…

paul… I thought you had a spare column…
guess it’s tricky to get it out to measure in situ though?

[Paulfrazer]

Thanks both. Yes, I do have one still in the car but, as you say, its difficult to get to it in situ. I did think of moving it over when I swap them but I want to sell mine for refurbishment so I need to have a screw in place.

I found that LD parts have longer versions of it so I ordered one of those. In the meantime I tried some screws I have and found that a BA one fits. I think it is 4BA. Maybe the thread on these is the same as UNF? If I hadn't had the information that it is UNF I would have said it is the correct one for it.

[Philip Wardle]

4 BA is a different thread form but might appear to fit if only engaged over a few turns.