What size Socket

Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:16 pm

just because something is done all the time does not make it right.. my dad was a hydraulic design engineer for most of his working life..so I never got the chance to bodge anything.. if we did not have the tool we would either buy it or make something on his lathe to get the job done.

Post by **MarkyB** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:35 pm

I've seen plenty of steering wheel nuts that have been loosened by means other than the proper sized socket.
I think on my current car a centre punch has been used.
The "damage" is basically cosmetic and doesn't worry me in the least.

If I see bad practice like that rear wheel bearing that had spun and been bodged into place with a lump hammer and a screwdriver then I'll speak up.
This is just getting the job done without being too precious.

Post by **les** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:55 pm

During my apprenticeship I once said to my mentor 'That's near enough' the result of that remark made sure I never used it again.
So forgive me for using a spanner!

Post by **Chris Morley** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:53 pm

I think the moderators should remove bad practice methods along with all the other offences!

Can't see why we should if it isn't dangerous. One man's bad practice is another's time-saving trick, bending torsion bars is another one that comes to mind.

As for the steering wheel nut what is it worth? £2 maybe? Hardly a big drama if it gets a bit chipped or rounded, especially as it's hidden away. Chances are an average owner will only need to loosen it once or twice in their lifetime. Stopping the job to go out and get the exact tool just to keep the £2 nut pristine would be a waste of time & money for people who need to use their minors to get around.

Post by **mike.perry** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 8:47 am

Perhaps the horn push should be removed to inspect the steering wheel nut for concourse judging!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:04 am

And the rear drums to inspect the nuts - I assume master cylinder bolts are of course checked in case anyone has been foolish enough (

) to put them in the wrong way round!
Hear hear for Chris - my sentiments exactly.

Post by **les** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:52 pm

Cowboys!! stop defending the indefensible.

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 2:07 pm

Oh go on - stop pulling my leg! Chisel is often used on large nuts like this

One man's bad practice is another's time-saving trick

Both these remarks sounded familiar but for the life of me I couldn't remember where from, and then I remembered its from the immortal Bodge It and Scarper Manual on how to avoid using the right tool for the job

even when its readily available.

Post by **GDL** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 2:24 pm

Well, pleased so say i used the correct size socket (33mm in the end) but was very tempted to chisel away. Anyway, got wheel off, only to find that the boss didn't fit (typical bought it off a chap selling bits by his car in a show), should have guessed, if it fitted it would have been on his car!

anyway ordered a new boss, so hopefully this will fit. The saga continues.....

Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:01 pm

i would be surprised if 33mm is the "correct" being an imperial car and all that.. but is probably more than close enough.. very annoying about the boss you have my sympathy..

Post by **Chris Morley** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:16 pm

Both these remarks sounded familiar but for the life of me I couldn't remember where from, and then I remembered its from the immortal Bodge It and Scarper Manual on how to avoid using the right tool for the job even when its readily available.

I assume this was the standard BT employees handbook eh Kevin?

I'm amazed that I got 33mm right! Any rounding effect on such a large nut would be tiny I suspect.

Post by **Declan_Burns** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:15 am

On mine the 33mm didn't fit but the 34mm fits perfectly.

Post by **NZJLY** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:28 am

1 5/16 = 33.3 mm.
And I will admit to using the chisel method on the steering wheel nut. I have also had a couple that were loose which is more of a worry. I have a smaller steering wheel, as it makes it so easy to get in (but harder to turn the wheel while trying to park

)
John

Post by **mike.perry** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:34 pm

I'm sticking to 3/4 Whitworth!

Post by **GDL** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:09 am

Finally got around to fitting it. But..... after fitting it reconnected the horn and nothing except when i turn the steering wheel left or right

So removed the 2 pins that were supplied and bingo, no horn at all

Nevermind, the joys of old motoring, so decided to put on an independant switch instead (when i get around to fitting one that is)

Also the 33mm from Halfords worked a treat and didn't round the nut off either.

Post by **mike.perry** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 5:02 pm

This has gone on so long I have forgotten the original question

Post by **MarkyB** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 5:49 pm

I don't know what "2 pins that were supplied" refers too, but if the horn only works when you turn the wheel you need to be looking at the brush that rubs on the brass ring on the steering column.
Also the felt bush that the column turns in.

Post by **PSL184** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 5:52 pm

The pins supplied with the universal aftermarket wheel bosses are usually for either horn contacts or indiator cancellation depending on which car you are fitting the wheel to. The Minor shouldn't need either pins in place and I suspect you have lost the connection to the brass ring somehow...