Steering column woes

[Adrian Southgate]

Right then brainboxes... Top bearing on an escort column comprises of two parts. outer sleeve bearing with inner race fitted and a spring clip which appears to go between the bearing and the column.

I need a spring clip in good condition. 

I have three outer bearings + the one fitted in the column and the 'duff' one I took out (which wasn't duff, just missing the little spring clip). If no one has one I will have to make some sort of shim from stainless as there is too much play without it even with a new bearing.

If anyone else needs a new bearing let me know and we can haggle :-) They are about £25 on ebay without the spring clip which is taking the proverbial.

[Paul Thomas]

Dont think theres a clip, Mines got the bearing whichfits in the outer tube, the spring goes on then the indicator cacalliing spacer, when you tighte the steering wheel down it takes the movement out of the bush.

[Adrian Southgate]

Cheers Paul.

I had one new bearing with a clip fitted and the clip was pushed out when I slid the bush down the column. Needless to say I though a small tap with a hammer might 'ease' it back into place... I might have bent it a little even though I was using a soft plastic tube as a drift.

I'll put it back tomorrow without the clip and see what sort of results I get.

[Big Vern]

On the subject of columns can anyone with a MK1 Escort column give me a measurement for the length of the outer tube.

I thought the one i had was MK1 Escort but it seems to be far too short :-(

[Adrian Southgate]

I'll go and measure my spare but i'm not sure if its mark 1 or 2. Any clues apart from casting numbers?

[Adrian Southgate]

640mm but from the key in the lock i'm guessing thats a mark 2 column.

The column in the legerra is a mk 1 as it has a metal key not a plastic coated one, from what I can remember they are about the same length.

[Big Vern]

Rats - mines 540mm, hmm Mk1 RS (long stem rack) or Capri - most likely Capri

Oh Poo. Does the MK2  have the triangle bit at the bottom like Cortina's?

[Adrian Southgate]

Splines, same as the mark 1. In fact i'm pretty sure they are the same item.

I used the triangular UJ on the Sierra when I shortened the column, so much easier to shape than a set of splines :-)

I can probably get a measurement on a capri unit for tomorrow as the chap I bought some stuff off yesterday is a Wiganer and quite helpful :-)

[Big Vern]

Explains why my column doesn't reach the bulkhead - grrr

[Adrian Southgate]

How far short are you?

[Big Vern]

640mm minus 540mm  = 100mm which is about what it looks in the car - if the column tube touches the bulkhead then the steering wheel would be behind the dash :-o

I remember I had this problem before. Thought I'd got a MK2 column as the guy selling said it was from a mk2 - I suspect he meant mk2 Capri and presumed mk2 Escort - DOH!

So should I go down the route all the rally boys seem to be going with a Corsa electric column or just stick a Triumph Herald column in?

[Dave Adams]

my column on the green car has two U/J's on it but it still moved back about 3/4 inch! my new project has a harpoon for a steering column.

[Adrian Southgate]

you mean like this Steve?