10 replies to this topic

[Trissy B]

Really struggling with the steering pinch bolt at the moment!!

Rack is loose. Upper steering column brackets are loose. Rack is centered.

When I put the rack on, the splines engage and I get a positive sounding this. But I just can't get the bolt in. Tried a couple of times to force it in, but it's never right.

Help!

[DeadSquare]

Try the tapered tongue of a file through there first.

 

Also, I have undone the column brackets and hung the column from the Visor with a rubber bungie, so that it can be waggled.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

The pinch bolt shouldn't need forcing in at all but it's hard to see sometimes why it won't go in.  I found using a mirror and torch to see through the pinch bolt hole allowed me to see what was happening.  In my case the column had slid on ever so slightly too far so withdrawing it a touch did the trick.

[Spider]

If you rack has a Pinion with a single 'scallop' in it for the Pinch Bolt, then the Column does need to be lined up exactly to allow the bolt to be fitted, one spline either way, and it won't go in.

 

Also, if the Column is seated all the way down, then it will need pulling back, just a little to align it all.

 

This shows the 2 types of Pinions

 

[Trissy B]

Ahhha - thanks very much. I have the version on the left. Never occurred to me that I might have to lift a little!

Think I need to buy a new bolt as it's a bit knackered now.

On another poitnt- I have about 1/2 inch (6 turns) on the track rod ends. Is this too little? I only brought standard ends instead of neg chamber ones as minispares are out of stock.

[cal844]

6 turns of thread is dangerous, you want the long ones, I bought a pair of long ones with grease nipples on them for £18 the pair

[Trissy B]

Yea that's what I thought, will get some on order asap.

Steering wheel wasn't on straight which was making things difficult!!!

[whistler]

A mobile phone is useful if you can't get your head down to see the pinch bolt hole. Take a still or a movie. You gorra love technology to go where your head won't fit.

Edited by whistler, 09 September 2018 - 10:47 AM.

[Trissy B]

Once alligned property with the scallop and not pushed down too far; it fitted a treat.

Thanks for the help!!!

[tiger99]

If you can't find the longer TREs from a Mini supplier try for some Triumph Herald/Spitfire/Vitesse/GT6 items which are exactly the same and usually marginally cheaper.

[cal844]

If you can't find the longer TREs from a Mini supplier try for some Triumph Herald/Spitfire/Vitesse/GT6 items which are exactly the same and usually marginally cheaper.

I'm sure the items I bought were from a triumph of some description. The place I got them is Chic Doig classic sports cars,