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MG TD TF 1500 - Lower steering column support

With the help of George Butz (thanks) I have acquired the bracket and hardware that secures the steering column to the stiffener bracket. Two questions for those that might have a chance to run out and look. (1) does the bolt go from the inside of the engine to the outside with the nut inside the stiffener; and , (2) does the bracket secure to the wider part of the outer steering bracket just above where the steering shaft plate (the area that holds the bottom felt bushing) or above that?

Thanks
Dave 52TD
mgaviator

Hope this answers your Question Dave R.

Yes to question (1), and on (2),
On the wider part of outer steering column, overlaping the welded tube flange, otherwise the bracket tends to slip. I had to grind a tad of my short spacer to make it all work.

http://www.travelaire.photosite.com/MGTDRebuild/steering/outer_steering_tube_bracket_attach.html

Merry Christmas,
dave b
Dave Braun

Dave, thanks and merry Christmas. A second question, did you have any difficulty getting the chrome clamp tight enough to slide into the steering support bracket (Abingdon part 23-50)? I didn't want to mash it into the outer steering column; but, it appears that is what it will take.
mgaviator

Dave R,

To further clarify my previous thought, I took some off the smaller spacer so I didn't have to try to overlap the flange on the column.

In answer to your third thought, my car is still without tub, so I've not had to install the chrome clamp which slides into the steering support bracket. However, my outer column is 'mashed' from the previous installation of said clamp.

dave b
Dave Braun

I have tightened mine as tight as I can, and my column still 'drops' to the lower position over a week or two...!
gblawson - TD#27667

Interesting, I show no evidence of the prior installation being that tight. Does the lower mount "position" the outer steering column?

Dave
52TD
mgaviator

Gordon,

I wonder if you are referring to the clamp that allows the steering wheel to telescope? There are three clamps in the system, from the bottom up, the first is on the engine side of the toeboard on the A tower support. The second is the one Dave R is talking about, it holds the outer column to the steering support bracket which is fastened to the wooden top rail on the tub (cowl) to firewall interface, and the last bracket is the telescoping braket.

Dave R

The angle of the steering column is pretty fixed, it can only be adjusted a slight amount up and down, it pivots on the rubber 'universal' joint where the inner column attaches to the steering rack pinion shaft. The first clamp is pretty fixed, but since it is close to the universal joint, adjusting the second clamp at the steering support bracket and allowing the first clamp to travel with it should allow you to raise the column assembly to within a fraction of the instrument fascia. Of course the clamping nut for the telescoping column will be harder to access. I've got a wing nut on mine for now... I'm not sure how it will all shake out when I get my tub. Driving with the steering colunn telescoped into my chest is the only way I can get my long legs under the fascia.

Merry Christmas,
dave
Dave Braun

I'm referring to the 2nd/middle locking nut...when I loosen mine I can raise and lower the whole column/wheel's position. Adjusts about 2 inches up and down. I like to keep the wheel off my thighs and raise it as high as it will go (this is where the telescoping clamp rubs the back of the facia)...(mine has worn a groove in it so can go a tiny bit higher). Can't seem to keep it tight enough to hold in position...am thinking of having a washer welded to the bracket to keep it in its highest position!
gblawson - TD#27667

Very interesting Gordon, I'll watch for that when I install my bracket. I wonder if the force of your universal joint bushings are overcoming the locking feature of the clamp. Do you loosen the first clamp I mentioned as well when you are making that adjustment, and retightening it when you are finished? Perhaps that will make a difference as well. My only other suggestion (besides your very good idea of welding in a washer) is to fit a correctly sized plate through the slotted holes in the bracket to prevent the clamp bolt from moving down.

dave
Dave Braun

This thread was discussed on 25/12/2006

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