MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Bent and BrokenSteering Shaft

Good Day,

So after a long time away from the 74 RWA I noticed that the steering column was moving/not straight when I was greasing the front end. I know what I did (after reading the archives) the question is what is the best course of action for a repair?

The two issues are: 1. plastic joint is trashed AND 2. the lower part of the steering shaft is bent right about at point it enters the firewall.

So, can the lower section be straightened and then do my best to repair the collapsible joint? Or begin the hunt for a new column?
Picture Attached: The clean part of the floor shows about where the bend is.

I must have done the damage on a steering wheel removal and when I removed the steering rack for a repaint. (Still not painted.)

Thanks for any and all advice.

-Steve




Steven Conant

Steve,

try Andy Jennings for a good, used one rather than attempting to straighten yours.
Jeremy MkIII

Even if Andy ships overseas (which I wouldn't be too confident of), the cost to USA will likely be prohibitive.
David Smith

There must be dozens is parts suppliers in the he USA. I certainly think a used one would be easier than trying to straighten a bent one.
GuyW

David, I think I will try to find something here, unless I can find a company to straighten it. I did a quick search and found a few in salvage yards. I will measure what it is supposed to be just in case I find one that is not collapsed.

Guy, my concern is that they are all thrashed but....if it is straight and I only have to do the "plastic pins" repair that may be my best option.

Steven Conant

Sorry Steven didn't check your location before posting but the suggestion for a replacement (locally sourced) seems to be the consensus.
I wonder even if it can be straightened, might it be weakened and as it's such a safety critical part whether that risk, however small, is worth it?
Jeremy MkIII

I suggest replacing it with a used one. There are several on E-Bay and if there isn't one for your model year, you can E-mail me and I will check with a local source. These are actually pretty easy to find.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=MG+midget+steering+shaft&_sacat=0

I had problems with worn bearings at the steering wheel and replaced mine with a column that is a bit less worn. I lubricated the ball bearings and also drilled beside the plastic inserts and installed rolled pins. The shaft may have been rendered no longer collapsable but it would be no worse than getting skewered in an early 60s model. The chances of surviving an impact strong enough to collapse the column would not be favorable anyway. The column is rock solid with no clunks and a tight steering wheel.
Glenn Mallory

Thanks again everyone. Here is what I have found: None of the old yards that had these great vehicles kept them.....scrap prices went up and the cars went away.

I did find one in a car about 90 minutes away. They have to pull it and that makes me nervous as I have to put a deposit down on it.

I just got off the phone with a great contact and I am well on my way.

I am such a see it touch it guy before I buy. I will keep you updated.

-Steve
Steven Conant

This thread was discussed between 01/07/2020 and 03/07/2020

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.