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 MGB Technical - Steering Column/Directional Cancel Button

I have finally replaced the turn signal switch on my '64 B. With the new switch came a button which screws into the steering column. This button cancels the turn signal.

Unfortunately, the button is about 90 degrees off of where it should be. In other words, at some time, the steering column must have been put back in the wrong position.

My questions: What do I need to do to reposition the steering column to the correct spot? Where do I separate the column? At the u-joint? Steering box?


Thanks.

Bill Barge

On my '64, I've been to cheap to replace that auto cancel switch -- it's been easy to remember to turn signal on off off manually.

The tube cover over the shaft can be loosenen at the point just below speedo/tach. That's where the streering shaft mounting bolts to frame are located.

I do believe it's a simple matter ofreadjusting that shaft cover.

glg

Bill,

I'm assuming you're talking about the bung threaded into the inner shaft? And that you want to reposition it so it's located on the left, when steering dead ahead? To relocate to that neutral or rest position, you need to separate the shaft at the u-joint, pull it back a bit, rotate it the 90 degrees, and then re-insert into the u-joint. Once you have it correctly located, you'll want to reposition the steering wheel.
Terrence Goodell

Thank you!

Bill Barge

New question. Is there a trick to getting the column out of the u-joint? I was able to remove the bolt at the top (closest to firewall) of the u-joint. I spread the flange as best I could with a large screwdriver, then went and yanked on the steering wheel (I replaced the "good" wheel with the aftermarket wheel that was on the car when I bought it). I do not think the shaft even moved.

I loaded the top of the u-joint up with penatrating oil and will get back to it in a few days.

Just wondering if there is an easier method of separing the two.


Thanks!
Bill Barge

Bill. Did you remove the three bolts under the dash and the three bolts at the firewall? Les
Les Bengtson

Les,

That would be a big no, which may explain a lot of my problems! I do not remember there being any bolts at the firewall.

I removed the air filter pots and just had barely enough room to get at the top bolt (I probably should have removed the rear carb too) Are these nuts in the recess where the column comes through the firewall?


I'll take a better look tonight.

Thanks!

Bill Barge

Bill

The bolts Les refers to are not used on a 1964, they are used with a collapsible steering column on later cars.

On 1964 cars the outer column is supported differently. There is a clamp where the column gets to the dash and one lower down which is attached to the bulkhead. Have you undone both of them?

At least that is how it is on a RHD car. It is also a lot easier to get to!!

cheers
Ian Buckley

Ian. Thanks. I have pulled four steering columns within the last year, but all of them have been on 68 or later cars. Thank you for making me aware that the earlier cars were different. Les
Les Bengtson

Les/Bill

Now for releasing the upper column from the universal joint without having to remove the steering assembly!

I recently fitted the later indicator switch assembly which incorporates the dip switch, horn and flasher.

On my original column I used a spring clip from a later column which actuates the cancellation system. It just clipped on in place of the knob (bung) originally fitted.

Could Bill fit this later spring clip and avoid having to rotate the upper shaft?

However, if it was mine I would want to be able to take it apart anyway.

cheers
Ian Buckley

Bill

I could be wrong, but I don't recall anything holding my '67 shaft inside the column, other than the u-joint. So, I'm not thinking there's anything else to disassemble. However, the bearing closest to the steering wheel will likely have grooves worn in it, since it's nylon or plastic. And I vaguely recall a slight step in the shaft that can hang up as well. So you might be hanging up on those. But, I'd put my bet on rust at the u-joint splines. I always have to go ape-sheet to yank my shaft out....(now, that just has to qualify as a Pulitzer prize worthy double entendre...but entirely unintentional)! I think you're on the right track with the penetrating oil. Give it a good pull after a few days.
Terrence Goodell

This thread was discussed between 25/09/2003 and 02/10/2003

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.