Morning all

Finally managed to get out in the car yesterday and still grinning! loved every minute.

Only problem to arise was the bush in the firewall that the steering coulmn passes through worked loose. The thin metal disc that is supposed to keep the 2 plastic parts inside the rubber worked it's way up the column allowing the bush to dismantle.

This is the second time this has happened so I'm now thinking I've assembled it wrong or used the disc wrong.

The order of assembly is:
rubber bush thing mounted in firewall
large plastic part inserted from drivers side into rubber
smaller paltic part inserted into larger plastic bit again from drivers side of firewall
then metal disc slid down triangular part of column to keep everuthing secure again from drivers side.

So what am I doing wrong? that's the order I've seen it assembled in photos on this forum but not too happy about it working loose twice.

Any advice on what to do much appreciated as I want to get out in it again before the grin starts to fade.

Truly an awesome experience.

I don't think they respond too well to being used more than once. I've seen a lot of people use a jubilee clip to keep it in place.

Hope that helps

Adrian

[Edited on 2/4/09 by adrianreeve]

You need the round spring clip thing that came from the sierra. Mines got that and a cable tie and doesnt move. I couldnt fit a jubilee in there without it fitting the firewall.

all the bits were brand new as I thought it best not to scrimp with things like steering. So you recomend putting a jubliee clip behind the disc up the coulm to keep the whole thing secure?

How well does it work with the coulmn being triangular?

many thanks for the prompt response

whats the spring slip look like? All I've got is the large thin metal disc with a triangular hole in the middle. This was as per the donor. Am I missing a part? if so can anyone show me a photo?

Thanks, want it sorted for peace of mind before driving the car again.

I have the same setup as you Nigel and i noticed at the weekend that the steering support had come a part too. When i get 5 minutes I will be changing to this setup

Different Setup

you need one of these...
linkyhttp://www.igus.co.uk/wpck/default.aspx?pagenr=2504

I use a metal spherical bearing i'll look for the part number later...

[Edited on 2/4/09 by johnemms]

From the decription you've got all the right parts in the right order. Is the spring disc the right way up? It should have the finger bits towards the bush (thats how Ford fitted them) not away as you might think.

It was a problem sometimes on Sierras. The solution was a jubilee clip. It'll grip well enough for the job on the triangular shaft. Use the smallest one you can get on. If it fouls anything try a zip-tie instead.

Also don't grease the bush as that attracts grit and wears the bush out.

adrian

Hiya Nigel,

You have all the correct parts needed for it to be secure, I don't think you have anything missing.

The only thing you might of done wrong is fitted the metal retaining clip the wrong way round. (if you slid it UP the column to be in place ready for the bush, then that could of been the wrong way. It needs gently prising apart and sliding up, or fitted from the other side to be able to do its job properly!)

Not to worry though. Just put a jubilee clip behind it. The fact that it's triangular doesn't matter...

ATB

Many thanks for the replies fellas. From the description I may well of put the clip on back to front.

I'll use a jubilee for now and see how that goes.

Thanks again

"...if you slid it UP the column to be in place ready for the bush, ..."

Thats the way Ford fitted it. When ever I turned one over ('cos it seemed wrong) it moved.

adrian

I junked the Ford bearing and bought a spherical bearing and welded the housing of this into some 4mill plate and in turn welded that onto the chassis.
It was an industry standard bearing which I picked up at a local bearing specialist so I dont have any part numbers etc.
This seems 100% more effective than Fords method which seemed like a bodge.
I'll take some pics tonight and post them up.
Cheers,
Bob

A squidge of silicone mastic, leave it overnight and it will be secure. Did mine three years ago after it came loose many times and it's not moved since. Quick n' cheap just like Locost should be!

I'll try the mastic tonight and possibly belt and brace with a jubilee clip

Cheers all

Same happened to me and I simply drilled a hole through the shaft and put a split pin through it.

No more problems

Steve

quote:

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Originally posted by coozer
Same happened to me and I simply drilled a hole through the shaft and put a split pin through it.

No more problems

Steve

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