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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - UK steering column sections

Hi guys.

Bit of a puzzler for UK owners. All the literature says a '72 UK car should have a 'simple' collapsable column (just an upper and lower section that slide together, held with the plastic pins). I don't think the UK cars get the 'mesh' upper section that also collapses.

My puzzle is that my steering wheel can be pulled in and out about an inch. The pinion bolt is tight and nothing is moving or sliding on the lower part of the column (between the bulkhead and the rack). Assuming that the normal sliding join is on the flattened section of the outer column down near the rack, then this means the plastic pins are probably still ok (or I am looking in the wrong place?)

Since I can't see anything moving in the engine bay, does this mean UK cars have another join in the column that is inside the outer tube between the bulkhead and the steering wheel? (ie inside the cabin?)

Any help appreciated as I am about to remove the column!
martinf

Martin. Having just taken mine apart, the inner column has a section (inside the outer column) which is also held with a pin. If that pin was missing, you would be able to pull the wheel outwards. On mine there was a metal pin; I'm not sure if that is original - I changed it to a plastic pin just to be sure (I used a piece of plastic wall plug). I'm not sure why the steering wheel would pull out only an inch or so, but it could be the pin in the steering lock which projects into a slot about an inch in length?
Jonathan
Jonathan 1972 1275 RWA

Many thanks Jonathon - all I have to do now is 'persuade' my pinion clamp to release! (and I have run out of wd40-typical)
martinf

releasing the pinion clamp end of the column is dead easy - after removing the bolt, just ram a large screwdriver or small cold chisel into the slot, give it a tap with a hammer, and it will come apart.
David Smith

So it did! Thanks guys
martinf


I found a plastic numberplate screw and nut to be a good fit in the column. Not the most beautiful, but it works just fine...
MarkH1

Nice idea - thanks Mark
martinf

This thread was discussed between 21/02/2010 and 22/02/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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