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MG MGB Technical - upside down steering column

Hi

I had the dash of my 77 roadster for powder coating. While the dash was off I decided to look into some play I have in the steering. The play is in the top half (i.e. before the universal joint at the bulkhead.

I realised the dash didn't get in the way of the steering and so after taking the outer column and top half of inner column off the car I put them back on without detailed inspection as I was more keen to get dash the back on.

The top-bit of the inner column ended up upside down. However, the play has gone and the steering feels fine. Only downside is the odd number of holes on the mota-lita steering wheel means it's now skew.

Any warnings about leaving steering column in this way?

cheers
Darren

D Lewis

The position in which the steering wheel locks is of no consequence. You can remove the steering wheel hub from the column and center it! Or get used to it!
Jeff Schlemmer

If the play has gone without you doing anything it could be because the steering column and rack shafts are not correctly aligned which could be affecting the upper part of the column. If this is the case it could cause excessive wear in the UJ and rack. Some play is normal in collapsible columns. Any play in the UJ or rack constitutes a failure in the UK annual test, but not play in the column. My Toyota manuals specifically state that up to 1/2" at the steering wheel rim is acceptable.
Paul Hunt

If you have seperated the two inner steering shafts, you may have damaged the two bands of friction material thst holds the two halves together. More than likely if it went back together OK then there is no problem. Just pull your steering wheel and put it in the correct position again. If you are interested in how I repair these columns have a look http://www.shadetreemg.com/steering_column.htm
gerry masterman

This thread was discussed on 14/11/2004

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