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.

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

Thanks Chris,

I've slackened off the two bolts at the pinch block and I can tell that
there is some mis-alignment. I understand what you say about rotating
the rack, but I think I'm a little out sideways too and there isn't an
easy way to move things across.

Anyone know if there is a UJ that will fit the spline of the Mini rack?

On 26 Jul 2005 14:53:01 -0700, SHC wrote:
Thanks Chris,

I've slackened off the two bolts at the pinch block and I can tell that
there is some mis-alignment. I understand what you say about rotating
the rack, but I think I'm a little out sideways too and there isn't an
easy way to move things across.

Anyone know if there is a UJ that will fit the spline of the Mini rack?


If you fit a UJ you will probably need to improve the Mini bottom column
bearing. We found a uj to fit, I *think* it was from a Vauxhall, but it
was some years ago and the old memory don't work too well.

(We fitted 2 UJs and a Vauxhall adjustable steering wheel assembly, but
it was quite a big job. In a GTM btw.)
--
Cheers,
Stan Barr stanb .at. dial .dot. pipex .dot. com
(Remove any digits from the addresses when mailing me.)

The future was never like this!

Anyone know if there is a UJ that will fit the spline of the Mini rack?

I'm reasonably certain that a Rover SD1 universal would fit between Mini
rack and steering column. However, it's about 2 inches long.


Thanks for that,

I took a trip to the local scrappy and no SD1s to be seen. On the joint
at the rack on a Ford Siera there's a simple round rubber disk. I think
it's called a rag joint? The Ford one seems to be riveted together -
and I'm not sure if the hole spacing is right for me. I'm thinking I
could make my own from a piece of tyre wall.

In article .com,
SHC wrote:
I'm reasonably certain that a Rover SD1 universal would fit between
Mini rack and steering column. However, it's about 2 inches long.


Thanks for that,

I took a trip to the local scrappy and no SD1s to be seen. On the joint
at the rack on a Ford Siera there's a simple round rubber disk. I think
it's called a rag joint? The Ford one seems to be riveted together -
and I'm not sure if the hole spacing is right for me. I'm thinking I
could make my own from a piece of tyre wall.


The SD1 has one of those between rack and column, then a universal (hardy
spicer) further up. I'd say the rubber is to take up slight tolerances,
and the universal to allow the wheel to adjust up and down.

But IIRC, those rubber types have spring steel internals.

--
*He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

The SD1 has one of those between rack and column, then a universal (hardy
spicer) further up. I'd say the rubber is to take up slight tolerances,
and the universal to allow the wheel to adjust up and down.

But IIRC, those rubber types have spring steel internals.

OK I think it's definitely a rag joint I need, and I dont need up and
down - just a slight misalignment. I found this:

http://www.izook.com/tech/samurai/su...on/rje/rje.htm

So I'm hoping a Suzuki one will fit straight in (not that the author of
the web page thinks much to them!). Anyone know what the hole spacing
is if thay don't have one in stock for me to look at?

Cheers

SHC wrote:

The SD1 has one of those between rack and column, then a universal (hardy
spicer) further up. I'd say the rubber is to take up slight tolerances,
and the universal to allow the wheel to adjust up and down.

OK I think it's definitely a rag joint I need,

I've just taken one off a MK1 Escort rack that you can have for the cost
of the postage if you want. It's not pretty but looks sound. I'll take
some measurments this evening if you like.

OK I think it's definitely a rag joint I need,

I've just taken one off a MK1 Escort rack that you can have for the cost
of the postage if you want. It's not pretty but looks sound. I'll take
some measurments this evening if you like.

Thanks Willy. I just ordered a rubber disk from the local Suzuki
dealer, but they couldn't say when it would arrive or what the spacing
of the holes is.

If you could check whether your holes or your disk are 50mm apart
(measured through the centre of the circle) it would be a big help. If
the spacing is right I would like to have it.

Cheers,

Matt B

SHC wrote:
OK I think it's definitely a rag joint I need,


I've just taken one off a MK1 Escort rack that you can have for the cost
of the postage if you want. It's not pretty but looks sound. I'll take
some measurments this evening if you like.


Thanks Willy. I just ordered a rubber disk from the local Suzuki
dealer, but they couldn't say when it would arrive or what the spacing
of the holes is.

If you could check whether your holes or your disk are 50mm apart
(measured through the centre of the circle) it would be a big help. If
the spacing is right I would like to have it.

OK, I'll measure it this evening and let you know tomorrow.