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MG MGB Technical - steering column problems

I have a 1971 MGB and i am having problems with play in the steering. I have play in the steering, but the steering rack is OK and a new universal joint has recently been fitted. The steering wheel has a small amount of up and down movement which i guess will be cured with new bushes. The S/W also moves in and out but there is no movement on the bottom of the column at the universal joint.

Can someone in the know solve my problem.

Cheers
joseph phillips

Joseph,

there should be a bracket below the ignition which secures the column to the dash/bulkhead. I would check that this is fully tight. Only reason I know is that I had to undo this when I removed the dash recently and the column did drop down considerably (which helped getting the dash out!)

Worth a look!
Barry Donaldson

Joseph, I don't recall if 71 UK MGB's have collapsible steering columns like the NA B's. If they do the top bearings tend to get loose resulting in excessive steering column up and down play. If that is the problem the upper bearing can be removed, after removing the steering wheel, and peened at the upper end to tighten the bearings and reduce the clearance.
For some photos you can look at my Yahoo Photos, click on the Steering Column album.
http://photos.yahoo.com/flash1929
The column shaft has retainer circlips on both sides of the bearing and some spacers and spring washers between the top of the bearing and the top retaining circlip. Missing parts or a broken circlip could cause the in/out play. Good luck, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Clifton,

My GT doesn't have a collapsible steering column or a steering lock.

I am going to replace the bushes and see how it is after.

Thanks for the advice
joseph phillips

Because the 71 UK has a solid column any play must be in the bushes, mounts, UJ or rack. Or possibly between wheel and column if that is not tight. I have had to replace the UJ on my 73 (solid column) three times in recent years, once after just 12 months and again after another three years or so, as it is an MOT failure and I had rotational play. The quality is very variable and the problem was as much the bearing cups being loose in the carrier (the old ones were a snug fit) as play in the needle roller bearings. However I have rotational play in my V8 with a collapsible column but this has not yet caused an MOT failure.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 03/06/2003 and 04/06/2003

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