Steering universal

[reb53]

The steering universal, ( connects rack to column), on my Sprint is getting a bit of movement in it and all it needs is some new rubber bushes.
I know you shouldn't try and save money on steering bits but as it is a failsafe design and it goes against the grain to bin otherwise good bits I thought if anyone knows what else, ( if anything), these little rubber bushes are used for I'll just change them.
Changed it in the past when Heralds/Spitfires were common and so were the parts for them but now if I can avoid the wait for parts to come from the other side of the World I will.
All, ( well....most!! ), suggestions welcome!

Ralph
71 Sprint.

[types26/36]

Ralph,
I've repaired a couple of them, I used some fuel hose to make the rubber bushes. The fuel hose I used was the rubber type with the interwoven braiding inside the rubber, cant quite remember the size but use the hose that fits snugly over the bolts.
The bushes have a conical end which fit into the coutersunk hole, I cut the bushes then placed them on a bolt and carefully ground the taper on a bench grinder, refitted them and it has been fine since.
Brian

[lotus026]

When mine got totally loose, I ended up spending about $12 US and just replaced the whole universal with a modern Triumph one which uses needle bearings instead of rubber bushes - best thing for the money I'd done to the car's handling! Completely eliminated steering slop, since I'd rebuilt the rack and replaced the tie rod ends shortly before.
Dave
[email protected]

[types26/36]

From: "Roger Sieling" <rogsie@...>
Date: Wed Nov 9, 2005 7:50 pm
Subject: Re: [LotusElan.net] LotusElan.net Daily Forum Updates rogsie@...
Send Email
Since I just lurk on the forum, I am not registered, so have no way to reply.
In answer to the request for steering U-joint rubbers, the proper molded
replacement pieces are available at www.LeeChapmanRacing.com Hope this
message makes it thru.
Roger
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The above message has been posted on the Elan.net mailing list.
Brian

[reb53]

Thanks for the suggestions. I now have an extra job this weekend!
You don't remember what Triumph the needle bearing ones fitted do you Dave? Parts departments around here seem to no longer keep much on hand and order things in when requested.
Unlike the "old days" when the guys were car guys and interested enough in your weird car to let you rat around out the back and find something that would do the job.

[SADLOTUS]

Europa one's the same i think... I'm sure that's what I have.

try here for reference:

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/spitfire/images/107c.gif

and here

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/

some help i hope

[types26/36]

Europa one's the same i think...

Could be, my Europa Special (just sold it) had a universal joint and its basically the same column and rack but I think you will pay much more then $12 for one of those.
Brian

[M100]

Complete NEW joints are GBP22.50 from Paul Matty's (and all the other usual suspects)

Why bother bodging the old one!

[reb53]

You are of course right Martin. It's easy to spend $10 worth of time and energy saving $1 !!
I suppose old habits die hard. When I bought this car 30 years ago the hassles of getting parts were almost insurmountable, especially being on the other side of the world. I think the so called local agent kept his spares department in the left trouser pocket of his other pants, and was planning on putting all his kids through college when he sold them all.Both of them.
Also I gain considerable satisfaction from fixing things rather than merely replacing them, anyone can do that.
But, point taken, I know there's a limit!!!
Regards,
Ralph.

[M100]

I'd buy a new one but if I could fix the old one as a usable spare just in case I would!

[reb53]

Problem now sorted.
Sliced and diced some 8mmID fuel hose and all's well.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Ralph.

[saildrive2001]

Where did [email protected] get the joint in the US for $12? I need one & the UK price is GBP25.

[Hamish Coutts]

Keith,

I got fed up with the play in my old original joint and bought a new all metal one from Spyder. Nice joint, no play and feels really positive.

From memory, it was about ?17 + carr.

Regards,

Hamish.