Steering column to rack & pinion universal joint conversion

[leifanten]

When roaming ebay for bits & pieces I came across this little mod:

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... K:MEWAX:IT

I went and inspected the original assembly, and quite right, there is a few degrees of play in the joint between the column and the r&p. So I ordered one from this guy. I have not received it yet, but he has a number of them for sale, so I thought I would like to give heads up on the forum.

Sorry if this is known news to you all, but it was new news to me

[curly type 26]

Hi there Leif, worthwhile mod also think tony thompson stocks a similar joint have fun fitting it Curly

[john.p.clegg]

Leif

I've had bits from him,he's O.K. and it will improve the "feel" but....the joint shown may be large enough to rub on the bottom radiator hose,there are slimmer ones out there if you look around (sorry,can't be more specific as time has passed) .

John

[69S4]

Is this a "fit and forget" mod? I've wondered about putting one on my S4 as I've got through loads of the std rubber bush type over the years. They don't seem to last that long and every MOT time I'm wondering whether there's too much play to pass.

Recently I've rebuilt a couple using slices of fuel injector hose to replace the rubber bushes and they seem to be lasting well but I'd rather not have to bother.

Stuart

[paddy]

I fitted one of these a while back and haven't had any problems. The only issue when fitting it is that it is longer than the standard joint and puts the end of the column a bit further away from the rack. However, unless you have the upper column pushed far forward with the wheel very close to the dash, there is sufficient adjustment available at the clamp to accommodate it without moving the upper column.

Paddy

[elancoupe]

Is this a "fit and forget" mod?

Stuart

I have been using this type of u/j for almost 25 years without issue. Very nice improvement, no maintainence needed.

As noted above, just be sure that it does not contact your lower rad hose.

[GrUmPyBoDgEr]

I got mine from Spyder with all of the other parts I needed for my Car's rebuild.
Another advantage that's not been mentioned is that you don't need to fit the earthing wires across it because the metal to metal contact provides the req'd earthing as opposed to the rubber type joint, so it tidies up the engine bay a bit in that area.

[Jason1]

Hi

On a similar subject, has anyone fitted solid rack mounts? I have seen various alluminium ones on Ebay.

Jason

[GrUmPyBoDgEr]

Yes ditto from Spyder but most of the usual names sell them.
I think I'd prefer to buy from a respected supplier.
"A piece of Engineering" instead of bent Steel IMO.

[leifanten]

Thanks all for good comments. Looking forward to the response on solid rack mounts.

It would have to be very big to be rubbing on my lower rad hose......I have a LHD

[mart2elan]

Hi Alll,

I have also ordered the solid steering joint from the same guy. It's not fitted jet but i'm planning to do it next week.
My car was already fitted with the solid steering rack mounts. I think they are Spyders but i'm not certain on that.
The are a nice piece of enginering and fit perfectly.
I will try to post some pictures.

Marten

[GrUmPyBoDgEr]

Hi Marten,

I would say that your Rack Mounts are Spyder parts.
From your Photos it looks like you're having a nice time.

John

[Frank Howard]

Marten,

Wow. What a nice job you're doing. Has to be better than when new. One suggestion. I'd check the tension on the fan belt. Looks a little loose to me.

[mart2elan]

Hi John, Frank,
It's already on the road from april this year. (little aviator picture).
After 3 years and a lot of ours it's tranformed from a FHC, RHD incomplete basket project to a very nice DHC, LHD road going car.
I have enjoyed it this summer for 3000 miles now without any problems and only have some minor thinks i want to change this winter. CV joint conversion, Underdash trim, front grill, and steering joint.
I never drove one before but now i understand what all you guys are talking about. It's real driving. Perfect and i can't wait till next spring.
Marten

[Jason1]

Hi

Anyone tried these solid mounts?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SPITFIRE-HERALD-G ... _754wt_939

Jason