steering Column Bolt

[M25VAN]

I think the problem with a set screw is that if the threaded portion bears on any other metal surface it will wear quicker than the shank of a bolt. In this instance I think the bolt acts as a pinch bolt and to stop the steering column coming free from the rack if the nut works loose. It should be a bolt, maybe in Australia you call a set screw a bolt? I know you have lots of other names for things that we know. A good one I heard the other day was to call a pair of mens swimming trunks budgie smugglers!

[autolycus]

If you regarded it as a "put-down", I think you'd agree it was fairly mild and perhaps provoked just a tad by that slightly sarky remark about the bolt manufacturer getting it wrong - especially in the face of explanations from others more experienced and knowledgable than me.

For anyone else faced with a similar problem, another reason for being unable to get the correct bolt in is if the column is even one spline out relative to the rack. Unless the groove is aligned exactly - lengthways and rotationally - the correct bolt won't go in, but small enough ones might.

For all I know, some early Minors did use bike cotters, but it would be obvious because the groove would be flat-bottomed, not radiused to suit a 1/4" (or whatever) bolt, and the hole in one half of the clamp would probably be larger than the other.

So it's still a bit of a puzzle.

Kevin

[David53]

Yes M25Vn, in Australia we have never heard of the term "Set Screw". The fastener I have used has always been known as a "bolt". If it takes a nut on the end it's a bolt .

Kevin, as regards lining up the splines the groove on the Series II extends all the way around the splined shaft evenly, so it shouldn't matter onto which splines the column is placed.

[bmcecosse]

8.8 will be fine - not the highest tensile, but good enough. But - it should be a bolt, not a set-screw.

[David53]

OK, you win . I looked for a bolt with a plain shank, but nothing available. I have ordered the original part from ESM but I do suspect it may be too large - I think the early Series II had a thinner bolt. But we will see, and I will report back! Thanks for the input.

[bmcecosse]

You win too David - you will have the correct safe bolt holding your steering together. We'll all sleep better at night for that!

[David53]

Well, happy ending. I ordered the correct bolt from ESM and fitted it today. My only concern is that it was neccessary to tap it through fairly firmly (well OK very firmly....) with a hammer, the fit was very tight. However, eventually came through and bolted up nice and tightly with the nyloc nut supplied. Feels very firm now. Thanks for all the advice.

[bmcecosse]

That's exactly how it should be ! Phewwww - we can relax now - your steering is safe!

[David53]

Yes I was surprised how tight it was. I presume that this means the bolt is correctly aligned in the groove? ie: Unless it was lined up correctly the bolt would not have gone through at all? Only reason I ask is that the gap between the column and the floor is now a little more than it was previously.

[bmcecosse]

I guess so - it's not something I have 'played' with on a Minor!