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MG TD TF 1500 - Alignment of steering mechanism in TD

Hello,

I am starting with the re-assembling of the steering mechanism (after successfully dismantling the steering rack, thanks to Dave, Harry and Jan).

At this moment I am worried with the assembling of he pinion shaft and the coupler-flange so that later the steering wheel is correct aligned. I know that if I do not install the woodruff key in the adjustable splined shaft, this shaft can be rotated with respect to the steering column, and the wheel easily aligned at every position.

However, do you know any hints on how to install:

- The rack in the housing?( I suppose centring it, which means to me leaving the inner ball joints at the same distance from the housing border)
- the pinion shaft with respect to the steering rack?
- the coupler-flange with respect to the pinion shaft?

Additionally:

Is it so important to keep the key in the adjusting shaft?

I know that it is there to prevent the steering wheel from being pulled out when adjusting its position – of course, it should be never attempted when driving.

Would the small splines and the clamp still safely hold the adjustable shaft (and the wheel) if the key is removed?


Thank you for your always useful replies.

Jesus
Jesus Benajes

Jesus - The easiest way to align the steering wheel/steering rack (without removing the key at the steering wheel end) is with the coupling flange position on the pinion shaft. If a person is really planning ahead, they would mark the coupling flange/pinion shaft, but that would require getting the pinion shaft back into the steering rack the same way it came out. I got my steering shaft back together correctly by eyballing the wheels to se that they were pointing straight ahead and ther started reassembling things so the steering wheel was in the right position. Of course, I have the advantage that the key for the adjusting shaft at the steering wheel end of the shaft has never been in place since I got the car, so I can make the final adjustments with that interface. This answers your question about that key, no that key is not necessary unless you are in the habit fo trying to adjust the steering wheel while traveling down the road (which is why I have never bothered to replace it). Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Dave: I suppose that key could be a safety thing. If the clamp came loose the key would keep you from pulling the steering wheel all the way out :-)

Chris
Chris Couper

Chris - I am not sure that I could get the steering wheel completely clear of the shaft while sitting in the driver's seat (and I am slender), although I am sure that is why the key was put in there to start with.
Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

This thread was discussed between 02/02/2004 and 04/02/2004

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