Does anyone know where I can get a splined end to weld into a lower steering column from, the same splines as found on the Escort Mk2 steering rack pinion? I need one to weld into the lower column to take a splined UJ, Im tempted to chop the one off an old knackered rack Ive got in the shed but Id rather just buy something and keep that rack whole.

thanks

Chris

[Edited on 26/4/05 by ChrisGamlin]

The splines on a mk2 escort rack match the splines on a sierra rack (non assisted). You can get all metal UJs (group 4 rally joints) from places like rally design and burtons. They arent cheap though.

David

Ive got the UJ's, its the splined shaft I need, but I dont want to cut up a rack pinion gear to get one

Sorry, mis read your post

Are the splines on the steering column downlink the same as the ones on the rack? If so then you can just chop then end off a column cant you? Rather than cut up a pinion gear?

David

Im not sure, the sierra upper column Ive got (which is now being replaced) has a triangular shaped clamp, I dont know if the sierra lower column has a splined end does it?

The Sierra one I used had a welded on u.j., rubber donut type which fits the Escort column. Is your u.j. splined both sides?

are you trying to make an extension with a male and female end? If you are, i assume you need more kinks than normal, otherwise you could just extend the downlink.

id just use the old rack, a new rack is only £10 (maybe less?), im sure you could easily spend £10 on bits and postage if you buy the splines you need.

chris - I got a 400mm extension with a spline on one end and a UJ (matching female spline) on t'other. If you can use it let me know, otherwise it's goin back (I decided not to use it)
Bob C

Cheers Bob, whats it off of and how much do you want for it? I assume when you say "its going back" its something you've bought new in which case its probably a bit of a waste for me to just chop the end off

To the others, Ive not got any additional joints in my column, I just want to use two of the Gp4 UJs from Rally Design. I already have a new upper column welded up with one spline on the end which my uncle found laying around the workshop, and my current lower column already has one male spline on it for the current Gp4 joint onto the rack, so the bottom joint is sorted, I just need another male spline to weld onto the top of the lower column, making the lower column a male/male splined bar so I can ditch the triangular clamping Sierra UJ and fit another G4 UJ to join it to the upper column, if you see what I mean

[Edited on 26/4/05 by ChrisGamlin]

Have a chat with Car Builder Solutions ( there's a link in the Links section ). They can supply and weld if need be splined extensions with or without UJs. In fact they are extending a column for me tomorrow with a splined shaft for a very reasonable price. It's £23 for the shaft and somewhere between £5 and £10 for welding with a sleeve.

Thanks, I'll give them a shout

Hi all,
I saw a company called b-squared at Exeter kit car show last year, they make steering colomns for manufacturers including ford and seemed willing to make one off columns and links for resonable prices.
WWW.bsquaredautomotive.co.uk/products/steer-col.htm

Chris - bought new, it's the one from CBS. I've not checked if they'll take it back yet.... if not it might well be a bit cheaper; I expect they will though (must remember to ring 'em tomorrow)
Bob C