6 replies to this topic

[Zenob1]

Folks,

On looking at my lower engine steady (left hand side of the gearbox when looking at the front of the car), I have found that the bracket holding in in place is broken!

So, should I replace like for like, or, fit an "ultimate engine steady" on the head and hopefully cure the horrible knock from the standard top steaty bar at the same time?

Your views would be appriciated.

Z

[ceejam]

Folks,

On looking at my lower engine steady (left hand side of the gearbox when looking at the front of the car), I have found that the bracket holding in in place is broken!

So, should I replace like for like, or, fit an "ultimate engine steady" on the head and hopefully cure the horrible knock from the standard top steaty bar at the same time?

Your views would be appriciated.

Z

You mean the one on the RHS, by the sump plug? Is it the bracket on the gearbox that's broken, or the subframe? If it's the subframe, it's very difficult to get in there to weld the bracket back on with the engine in place, if it's the one bolted to the gearbox, just replace it, and fit new bushes.

If you can't just fix it, then consider an additional "underneath" one waaayyy before fitting an "ULTIMATE" as the one onto the thermostat gets in the way for an amazing amount of jobs.

If you've got a knock from the top steady bar, either the bushes need replaced with the PROPER RUBBER bushes KKF100390, or the bracket's broken off the bulkhead or the master cylinder plate!

In my experience, if you keep the genuine top steady bar bushes in good condition (i.e replace them when they need, they're a serviceable part!) and have a bottom steady on each side (Minispares do lots of variations) then the engine WON'T move.

If you're tempted to fit poly bushes, be aware that you WILL need to replace these often too, as soon as there's the slightest movement in them, they allow the engine to "hammer" away and it either breaks the bolt in the engine block, or rips the brackets off at the bulkhead end!

[maph2]

is it the bit that bolts on to the gearbox that has broken or where the steady bar bolts to the subframe? if its the gearbox end, you could either get another one (s/h or new) or get it welded up. if its the subframe end, just get your local garage to weld the mount back

regarding the top engine steady, i would recommend you get one of these AS WELL AS fixing the bottom steady - my 1966 riley elf doesn't have the bottom steady as standard and the engine does move about more/puts more pressure on the main 2 engine mounts (have just replaced mine because it the this). i would also get some new poly bushes for the engine steady that goes from the clutch/brake cylinders to the side of the block - these do make a difference especially if your standard rubber bushes are a few years old!

ceejam - you beat me to it!

[Sparky]

While hunting round for my elusive noise, i noticed my bottom engine steady was loose. Didnt even notice it had one there! I'm hoping its cured it by going for a blat tonight!

[Elfie]

I just changed the bushes on my top engine steady,and noticed that the hole in the block was totally devoid of thread. Is this a sign that a bolt has broken off and the bit inside been drilled out? Will it have to be re-tapped? And also the engine steady bar has never sat straight out, is this ok? It slopes down.

[Retro_10s]

Get a KAD adjustable bottom steady. job's a good'n

[Zenob1]

Wow. Forgot about this one.

In the end I replaced the bracket - yes the one by the sump plug. SC Parts were able to supply the bracket alone, and I uprated the bushes.

Engine is pretty solid now.

Matt