Steering Column Interference

[WilST]

My 1966 S2 Elan is throwing a bit of a curve-ball. The underdash square-looking steering column/shaft coupler is contacting the brake pedal mount pretty hard, messing up the steering smoothness big-time (see pic). The only solution I found on LotusElan.net was to make a smaller steel one. Seems like just about any S1 or S2 would have to deal with this issue. I'd appreciate it if one of you S2 guys could look at that coupler on your car and tell me how it clears the brake pedal mount. Better yet, could you post a picture?
Thanks, Wil

[Geoffers71]

Just been out to take a pic of mine, but I've just realized that yours must be left hand drive, so probably not much help. Mine clears the clutch pedal easily as you can see

However I wonder if the clamp on yours is the same as on mine, can't tell to be sure. Sorry not been much help on reflection

[pharriso]

I think your pedal return spring is on the wrong way round...

[661]

Try moving the whole outer column towards the driver a fraction then the clamp can be moved upwards a fraction too. The steering wheel is a fraction closer, but personally I like that with my T-rex arms.

[elanner]

That looks very strange. Take a look at Phil's and my photos at:

lotus-chassis-f36/pedal-box-photo-t29885.html

There's plenty of clearance.

Nick

[alan.barker]

Imho the outer steering column has been clamped too low. Maybe someone tried to push the steering wheel further away from the driver.
Alan

[WilST]

Yes, LHD. Thanks all for the replies. Graeme, that's what I'm going to try next, though there doesn't seem much room for moving the coupling column/shaft ass'y either towards the driver or towards the center of the car. Hope I'm wrong.
Thx,
Wil

[661]

Yes, LHD. Thanks all for the replies. Graeme, that's what I'm going to try next, though there doesn't seem much room for moving the coupling column/shaft ass'y either towards the driver or towards the center of the car. Hope I'm wrong.
Thx,
Wil

It won't move sideways. It will move up. Disconnect the impact clamp, loosen the two brackets that hold the outer column. It should then be able to be moved up to the point you want. It will take the upper inner column withe steering wheel attached with it.

[alan.barker]

Check to see if the Steering Rack has been bolted to the Chassis using the correct holes.
To attach the Rack to the Chassis there are 8 HOLES for LHD you need to use the 2 on each side to the LEFT.
On my RHD Elan the 2 on each side to the RIGHT are used.
That's to say your Rack has been position for RHD and not LHD .
I hope i'm right because it can be fixed in 10 minutes.
Alan

[billwill]

Yes, LHD. Thanks all for the replies. Graeme, that's what I'm going to try next, though there doesn't seem much room for moving the coupling column/shaft ass'y either towards the driver or towards the center of the car. Hope I'm wrong.
Thx,
Wil

It won't move sideways. It will move up. Disconnect the impact clamp, loosen the two brackets that hold the outer column. It should then be able to be moved up to the point you want. It will take the upper inner column withe steering wheel attached with it.

The upper column bracket is fastened to the dash {I think} & you need to remove the knee trim to get at it it to move the steering wheel back.

See: lotus-suspension-f42/taking-the-collapsable-steering-column-apart-t18248-15.html

And: lotus-suspension-f42/steering-column-mount-t23330.html#p145093

[elanner]

Perhaps a good way to get the steering column housing in approximately the right place is to check that you can see the ears of the top steering column rubber bush visible just in front of the face of the dashboard.

Nick

[Davidb]

I had this problem on my LHD S2 as well. I found that moving the column down as suggested cured the problem-I think in today's world this would become a safety recall!

[WilST]

Thanks much for all the good input! It broke the situation loose, been a bit mind-locked on this one.

The rack is mounted in the left-hand holes as correct. The outer steering column was too far down (the rubber bushes weren't showing), so loosened column and coupling clamp fasteners, pulled the assembly up a bit and--job done. Thanks all for the great help.

[alan.barker]

Thanks for finishing the story, bravo
Alan

[661]

Excellent