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 TD TF 1500 - Steering gear

I am trying to rebuild the upper steering gear of my 52 TD.
Can anyone give me the dimensions of part N°52 on page J2 of the workshop manual, since it is not currently available in Europe. It looks like a simple splitted tube that I could make myself.
Thanks for your informations.
C.M. groucho

I looked at my TF trying to find that piece, so that I could measure it for you, but no joy. From J2 it appears that it should sit between the chrome spring and the chrome cup, but I don't have it. More than that, I don't see how there is room for it, as these days almost everyone has the wheel as far forward (close to the dash) as possible to give more arm room. That is unless I am missing its purpose or the TF is different from the TD.
Dave H
Dave Hill


This distance tube(spacer) is frequently left out along with the short key that fits under it so the owner can position the steering wheel spokes where ever they desire along the splined inner shaft. With the key and distance tube in place the position is fixed by the groove in the shaft.

Its a mild steel tube(no split). It measures:

Length-- .643" (16.3mm)

OD -- 1.00" (25.4mm)

ID -- .898" (22.7mm)

Wall thickness -- .056" (1.5mm)

I don't believe any of these dimensions are that close tolerance--As long as it slides over the inner shaft fairly close.



Richard Cameron

I don't really see the point of it, all it seems to do is limit how far forward you can push the wheel.
It does not even exist in the TF Service Parts List (May 1954)
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Exactly. Maybe deleted on the TF at some time. The spring comfortably sits over the splined inner shaft and key.
Dave H
Dave Hill


Yes the distance tube its just a positive stop inside the chrome spring cover. I was incorrect about the key fitting under it, actually the key fits under the chrome clamp.
Richard Cameron

Thank you gentlemen for your answers. Richard's picture and measurements are really helpfull.
I probably missed something when reconstructing the uppercut steering gear. In fact, I could not block the steering wheel with the chrome clamp. In other words, the steering wheels always tends to move backwards under the effect of the spring.
I thought that the spacer would solve the problem.
Maybe Dave has a clue ? Why am I unable to block the steering wheel with the chrome clamp only?
C.M. groucho



Your chrome clamp may not be squeezing the outer tube enough to close tightly on the inner splined tube. Try putting an extra washer on the clamp bolt so it closes more. If its a new clamp/bolt from one of the suppliers the part may not be made exactly like the original one.
Richard Cameron


Just happen to have the parts on my work bench. Note the slight variation between the old original and the new one from Abingdon Spares USA. Original bolt bigger, more threads and acorn nut deeper.


Richard Cameron

This thread was discussed between 25/07/2017 and 26/07/2017

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.