In message .com, SHC
writes
Hello,

I just bought a mini/metro based beach buggy car (1971 Siva Moonbug)
and I'm a little concerned about the steering.

The end of the inner shaft of the steering column is directly bolted to
a pinch block on the pinnion of the steering rack. It works fine, but
I'm concerned that any flexing or misalignment of the steering column
must be stressing the joints/bearings - possibly leading to something
snapping off.

What would an original mini (or metro) setup be? Would there be some
sort of UJ there?


Thanks for any help.



This direct coupling is exactly how it is on the original Mini. It is
very important that you loosen the rack clamp bolts before you lower the
steering column on a Mini, to allow the rack to rotate so that the
column is exactly in line with the splined pinion. (Then tighten them
up again afterwards of course!)

The lack of a lower UJ means that there is absolutely no scope for any
side-to-side movement of the steering wheel, so I suggest you check that
in your kit-car that the position of the wheel does allow for everything
to line up properly.
--
Chris Morriss