Steering column impact clamp

[Harvey]

I have done my homework researching this topic but have encountered a problem I don't believe has been discussed. I have a '71 Plus 2S with the collapsible steering column but seem unable to tighten the impact clamp enough to prevent fore and back movement of the steering wheel.

Initially I noted that the clamp grubscrew was not bearing upon the flat side of the inner lower column but rather on the round side. I then removed the clamp and flipped it upside down so that the grubscrew was aligned with the flat side of the inner column. Snugging down the two bolts that hold the clamp to the columns I then tightened the grubscrew mightily (with all my strength) with an Allen wrench, torqued down the locknut to 40 ft/lbs, and finished by doing up the two 1/4" clamping bolts to 7ft/lbs but the steering wheel can still be moved forward and back without too much effort.

Re-examining the clamp I notice that there is over a .060" gap between the two parts of the clamp. Thinking that there should be no gap when the bolts are tightened, I'm wondering if I have the flat part of the clamp and its grubscrew positioned squarely over the flat part of the inner column? I've tried to attach a picture of my impact clamp showing the gap between the two halves after I have tightened it but not sure it will appear.

Thanks guys for any answers to my issue.

Lee

[alan.barker]

Lee,
Further down at the Inner Column to Steering Rack are things nice and tight.
The new all metal type UJ's need a lot of tightening
Alan

[oldelanman]

Looks like the clamp isn't correctly fitted, there shouldn't be a gap between the two halves. I suggest you remove it completely and ensure that the flat section of the lower inner column is properly aligned with the "window" in the upper inner column. Next slacken the locknut and back off the grub screw completely and fit the clamp .... the grub screw should be on the flat side of the column and the body of the clamp should be snug to the lower end of the outer column .... fully tighten the two bolts holding the two halves together then tighten the grub screw and finally the lock nut.

[rgh0]

I find it easiest to set the grub screw and then tighten up the clamping bolts

cheers
Rohan

[ericbushby]

Hi Lee,
I thought it was the Allen screw which had to be tightened to a specified torque, not the locknut.
When you have solved the present problem, then if the Allen screw is overtightened the assembly may not collapse as it was designed to do. I fixed a piece of Allen key into a spare socket for this job.
The locknut is there to prevent the set torque from changing.
As Alan says earlier are you sure that it is the impact clamp that is slipping and not somewhere else on the column or steering rack.
Best of luck,
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[Harvey]

Thanks to all four of you fifth gear guys from all over the world for your quick response to my issue. I will follow up on your suggestions and get back with you regarding the results.

Lee

[types26/36]

Plus 1 for what Roger said (oldelanman) …. No gaps on clamp.

[Craven]

Can’t see how this can be assembled incorrectly.

[Harvey]

After spending a few hours in the garage this afternoon the job is done and the column is tight. Alan and Eric correctly advised me to look further down the column to be sure things are tight there. Last year I fit a new instrument panel to the car and loosened the UJ so I could pull the column away from the panel. The UJ was never tightened thus allowing the column to move when the steering wheel was pulled or pushed. Once the UJ clamp was tightened I went back to the impact clamp making sure that the flat part of the clamp was centered over the flat on the inner column. Once centered, I did up the two clamping bolts, tightened the grub screw, and torqued down the locknut. This time the gap between the two haves of the clamp was very slight.

So thanks to all who responded helping me through this issue so I can return to detailing the car for the West Coast Lotus Meet in Northern California next weekend. This forum is simply an amazing resource where one can ask a question and get answers from knowledgable Lotus owners all over the world. I offer advice when I can but have received much more than I have given over the years of my membership.

Cheers!

Lee

[alan.barker]

Hi Lee,
Well done, just continue the good work
Alan