bart
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| posted on 11/6/18 at 12:09 PM |
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warning using mx5 steering column
Hi All
just a word of warning to any one using an mx5 column.
the steering column has 2 collapsible parts the warning is about the bottom part.
the top part is on a double d design and continues to drive when collapsed no problem there.
the bottom part although I have not taken it apart seems to use a splined arrangement.
when collapsed the spline does not drive the steering
there fore when you use this column it could be nearly collapsed and only be driving on say 1 or 2 mm of spline
you hit a bump your chassis flexes a little or something moves while driving at speed and bingo !
no connection between steering and rack !!!!
please be aware I found this this when assembling my steering and was a little concerned especially if you don't realise you have installed your
column in a partially collapsed state .
Be Alert , Britain needs Lerts.
[Edited on 11/6/18 by bart]
BE ALERT > BRITAIN NEEDS LERTS
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pewe
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| posted on 12/6/18 at 10:25 AM |
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According to the exploded diagram in my MX5 workshop manual there is a pinch-bolt on that spline housing.
Providing the bolt is tight it will not allow the male shaft spline to part from its female steering rack mating surface.
Every other steering column I've ever come across has this or similar arrangement.
A bit of further investigation on your part is required.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe10
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bart
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| posted on 12/6/18 at 11:09 AM |
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This is the shaft that bolts onto the steering rack. Mine is now installed and I can't get at it to get a picture.there is no pinch bolt.only on
the upper half. My guess is most people don't even know that this bit colapsess .as it looks like a solid shaft.I only found out cause I
happened to drop in on the floor shaft end first. I will try to get pics when I strip it down
[Edited on 12/6/18 by bart]
BE ALERT > BRITAIN NEEDS LERTS
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Slimy38
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| posted on 12/6/18 at 06:07 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by bart
This is the shaft that bolts onto the steering rack. Mine is now installed and I can't get at it to get a picture.there is no pinch bolt.only on
the upper half. My guess is most people don't even know that this bit colapsess .as it looks like a solid shaft.I only found out cause I
happened to drop in on the floor shaft end first. I will try to get pics when I strip it down
[Edited on 12/6/18 by bart]
Is it a particular version of the MX5? Because on my Mark 1 shaft from the UJ downwards is a solid piece of metal. And it's definitely solid,
because I chopped it in half to weld in an extension tube section.
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bart
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| posted on 12/6/18 at 07:14 PM |
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Mk 2 anything else unknown was ebay job
BE ALERT > BRITAIN NEEDS LERTS
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bart
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| posted on 12/6/18 at 07:17 PM |
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I have some pics will post later
BE ALERT > BRITAIN NEEDS LERTS
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bart
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| posted on 12/6/18 at 10:42 PM |
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Ok had a look at mk1 pics and the lower steering column looks the same as a mk2.
Hense my warning.believe me what looks like a solid rod where it reduces in diameter is colapsing it has an o ring where it reduces to make a seal.
Don't believe me take a closer look you have been warned .
BE ALERT > BRITAIN NEEDS LERTS
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907
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| posted on 13/6/18 at 04:22 AM |
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I'm changing an engine in a Mk2.5 at the moment so was able to take these pics.
The second is a close up of the bottom u/j splines.
Hope this helps.
Paul G
 
Description
 
Description
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bart
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| posted on 13/6/18 at 06:05 AM |
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Yep 2.5 is the same.
I have marked up some pics to point to the area
 
Description
 
Description
BE ALERT > BRITAIN NEEDS LERTS
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bart
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| posted on 13/6/18 at 06:19 AM |
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better picture
ok found this on interweb
 
Description
ok top ( large diameter ) collapse is ok as it is a dd design and continues to drive
the smaller collapse is a serrated shaft and socket design and if fully collapsed will disengage the drive
as I say my worry is that folks may not realise this and if installed say nearly collapsed then you could be mm away from
&^%&^$"£% disaster . nuff said .
have a good day folks
ps from interweb pics this is mk1 - 2- 2.5 - 3 - 4
BE ALERT > BRITAIN NEEDS LERTS
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Charlie C
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| posted on 13/6/18 at 08:47 AM |
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There must be a differant type of column MX5 mk1 I have one on my roadster and two spares and they are all welded on the lower joint, i guess you
learn something new every day!
[img]https://i.imgur.com/8BjKyCy.jpg?2[/img]
https://imgur.com/8BjKyCy
[Edited on 13/6/18 by Charlie C]
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