steering column installation

[Mark O'Day 23]

Might anyone know if the TC steering column with the drop arm attached can be installed with the engine in place with the manifold and carbs on?  Having just installed the engine, so the radiator is out, I know I can install the column without the drop arm and the mounting bracket - I did a trial run.  But, I d much rather install the drop arm on a work bench and then insert the column.  The drop arm is an Andy King one, a very snug and secure fit, and I don t want to have to take it off once I have put it on. I d prefer to not attempt with the arm on without knowing.  If it can not be installed with the arm on, I know I can insert without the drop arm and then install the arm from the underside but, having done that about ten years ago, I know its a bear and my back is ten years older...  

If you are wondering, I took the steering column out with drop arm and bracket attached after I had removed the engine.  However, having run the engine on a test bed after a rebuild, it was complete and ready to pop in so I left the manifold and carbs on.  

Cheers,

Mark O Day

TC 2218

[Graham Knight]

Hi Mark,

I've just done this on an XPAG-engined TA. It was a struggle though. I had removed the mounting bracket which gave a bit more space. Some damage to paint on the box. I think I turned the drop arm away from the straight ahead position to get clearance.

The radiator was still in my car so I think you should be OK. Having an assistant would probably help.

Graham

On 24 February 2018 10:08:01 p.m. "Mark O'Day 23 47tc23@comcast.net [mg-tabc]" mg-tabc-noreply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Might anyone know if the TC steering column with the drop arm attached can be installed with the engine in place with the manifold and carbs on?  Having just installed the engine, so the radiator is out, I know I can install the column without the drop arm and the mounting bracket - I did a trial run.  But, I d much rather install the drop arm on a work bench and then insert the column.  The drop arm is an Andy King one, a very snug and secure fit, and I don t want to have to take it off once I have put it on. I d prefer to not attempt with the arm on without knowing.  If it can not be installed with the arm on, I know I can insert without the drop arm and then install the arm from the underside but, having done that about ten years ago, I know its a bear and my back is ten years older...   If you are wondering, I took the steering column out with drop arm and bracket attached after I had removed the engine.  However, having run the engine on a test bed after a rebuild, it was complete and ready to pop in so I left the manifold and carbs on.   Cheers, Mark O DayTC 2218

[Roger Bateman]

Mark, I have recently done this job on TC2456.  Andy King box, chassis mounting bracket left in place, radiator off, carbs & exhaust manifold on but downpipe disconnected.  Starter in, of course. I first tried to do it with the drop arm fitted but found it impossible. Once removed, it was quite easy to install the box and column. I agree, the drop arm is a snug fit but can be eased very slightly by the gentle application of a wedge (old screwdriver blade) applied to the slot with very light hammer blows. Then it is easy to fit it onto the steering box. I found I needed to use a tubular lever on the allen key to get the clamping bolt tight enough. If you have removed the draglink ballpin, remember it has a parallel bore so the pin can fit either way. It should point upwards. The drop arm can only fit the shaft in one radial position, but either way up, so fit it with the clamping bolt head facing the sump. Hope that's helpful. Roger BatemanDorset UK - cold and sunny [img]https://ec.yimg.com/ec?url=https%3A%2F%2Fipmcdn.avast.com%2Fimages%2Ficons%2Ficon-envelope-tick-green-avg-v1.png&t=1522512024&sig=iQI4jUZ5LwU6vEUT3So2zQ--~D[/img] Virus-free. www.avg.com

[Norman Verona]

Roger,

 

I agree with your procedure except the drop arm clamp bolt should be a hex BSF, not cap headed. Minor point and no real cost in getting it right

 

 

[b][i]Norman Verona[/i][/b]

11 Cherry Close, Royston, South Yorkshire S71 4LZ

Phone: 0044 (0)1226 728811

Mob: 0044 (0)741 9905 741

[b][i]Web: www.frenchblat.com[/i][/b]

 

[b]From:[/b] mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com] [b]On Behalf Of [/b]Roger Bateman rogerbateman@rocketmail.com [mg-tabc] [b]Sent:[/b] 25 February 2018 10:23 [b]To:[/b] mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com [b]Subject:[/b] [mg-tabc] Re: steering column installation

 

 

Mark,

 

I have recently done this job on TC2456.  Andy King box, chassis mounting bracket left in place, radiator off, carbs & exhaust manifold on but downpipe disconnected.  Starter in, of course.

 

I first tried to do it with the drop arm fitted but found it impossible. Once removed, it was quite easy to install the box and column.

 

I agree, the drop arm is a snug fit but can be eased very slightly by the gentle application of a wedge (old screwdriver blade) applied to the slot with very light hammer blows. Then it is easy to fit it onto the steering box. I found I needed to use a tubular lever on the allen key to get the clamping bolt tight enough.

 

If you have removed the draglink ballpin, remember it has a parallel bore so the pin can fit either way. It should point upwards. The drop arm can only fit the shaft in one radial position, but either way up, so fit it with the clamping bolt head facing the sump.

 

Hope that's helpful.

 

Roger Bateman

Dorset UK - cold and sunny

 

[img]https://ec.yimg.com/ec?url=https%3A%2F%2Fipmcdn.avast.com%2Fimages%2Ficons%2Ficon-envelope-tick-green-avg-v1.png&t=1522512024&sig=iQI4jUZ5LwU6vEUT3So2zQ--~D[/img]

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[Roger Bateman]

Thanks Norman, As a matter of interest, Andy King supplies his new made-in-Wolfsburg box with Allen bolts, 2 for clamping to the bracket and 1 for the drop arm. Cheers, Roger