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Steering Column Bracket Mount Reinforcement


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#1 classicoop

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 10:10 AM

Does anyone make a steering column bracket mount reinforcement?

 

My column has more play than I'd like. Feels like the lower dash mount is too thin to support the column.



#2 iwatkins

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 10:42 AM

Mine was the same.

Got rid of the drop bracket, was no better.

Got behind the rail and put a thin strip of steel in there to strengthen it up just using the two bolts that attach the bracket to rail.

Really improved it.

 

If i had the gear and the skills, i would have welded it in and had it extend the length of the rail on the drivers side.

 

Also check all the pedal box retaining bolts are tight too.

 

Cheers

 

Ian


Edited by iwatkins, 07 May 2013 - 10:49 AM.


#3 classicoop

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 11:06 AM

Yeah might end up doing just that.

 

Was more interested in something that bolt mount to the bulkhead or something more rigid.

 

Curious, has no ones lower dash ripped due to the back and forth movement (fatigue)?



#4 tiger99

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 12:23 PM

The column mounting is part of the pedal box structure, and if you are having problems I think that something is seriously amiss with the pedal box or bulkhead. The pedal box bolts to the main bulkhead crossmember, and the vertical face below, and if there is cracking in thet area it is likely due to the use of an improper combination of subframe mounts. There may also be cracking in other places such as the inner wings. The bulkhead area is highly stressed and if anything is wrong it muts be repaired properly by good quality welding.

The parcel shelf was deliberately weakened by removing metal many years ago, as it was too stiff to deform in a crash before that was done. It would be a very bad idea adding stiffness where there should be very little, when the problem lies elsewhere.

The very real danger of fatigue is not so much in the lower dash but in the steering column splines, which need to be checked carefully.

#5 pickupmad87

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 12:32 PM

also remeber when your are either fitting or removing a steering drop bracket that you slacken off the two u clamps that hold the steering rack in place. THIS IS A MUST. if this isnt done after some time you will sheer the splines of the steering rack or steering collumn and lose control of your steering. thats the last thing you want to happen when your flying around a bend!!

#6 classicoop

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 01:02 PM

The column mounting is part of the pedal box structure, and if you are having problems I think that something is seriously amiss with the pedal box or bulkhead. The pedal box bolts to the main bulkhead crossmember, and the vertical face below, and if there is cracking

 

 

Ahh now I remember. I didn't bolt that yet. Thanks :D

 

I was under the impression only the lower dash supported the column.



#7 Dan

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 01:50 PM

  If you haven't fitted the pedal box then you have also fitted the steering column clamp incorrectly as the clamp passes through the end of the pedal box, it all gets clamped together as one assembly.  The small yellow locking plate and the nut plate work against each other to clamp it up.



#8 classicoop

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:22 PM

  If you haven't fitted the pedal box then you have also fitted the steering column clamp incorrectly as the clamp passes through the end of the pedal box, it all gets clamped together as one assembly.  The small yellow locking plate and the nut plate work against each other to clamp it up.

 

 

I just checked right now. The pedal box is bolted to the dash and column. I thought I forgot, but your right no way to bolt it in without bolting the pedal box as well.

 

There's zero up/down movement. What bothers me is the side to side movement.



#9 Dan

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:25 PM

  It shouldn't do that.  Can you get a photo of how you have installed the clamp?



#10 E.L.M.O

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:32 PM

I had a loose steering column and then the throttle started sticking, turned out to be rusty bulkhead.

Edited by E.L.M.O, 07 May 2013 - 03:33 PM.





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