Steering column clamp bolt...

[Fingolfin]

...it's as tight as it'll go (in fact I nearly rounded off the nut [using the correct socket, though 12-point]), but the clamp doesn't appear tight enough to me.[frame][/frame]
What do you think?
On finding that I couldn't tighten the original bolt (it just spun), I ordered the correct bolt and nut from ESM (http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... 7589dfb74c) and put that on there with my shiny new Whitworth socket and wrench set. The column will not move off the pinion, and prior to fitting my dad and I worked on it for a long time getting it as far onto the pinion as possible.

[taupe]

Fin

There is a groove around the pinion shaft (the stub that sticks up from the floor) the pinch bolt sits in that groove when the column is in place and this prevents the column pulling up off the pinion. The pinch bolt only needs to be tightened enough to stop the looseness of the column when the steering is turned.

If the clamp is loose then it is possible for the splines to wear excessively and then you usually need to replace the column.

Taupe

[Fingolfin]

I'm quite sure it is sitting in that groove, I spent about twenty minutes lining it up-checking-rechecking. So if it is sitting in that groove, and if it won't move on the splines (which it won't), I needn't worry?

[les]

When tightening the pinch bolt, maybe you're expecting the gap at the splined end to close,------- the gap will not completely do this.

[simmitc]

In most of the columns that I have used, the clamp has a thread in it, and the bolt is used to tighten the clamp, with the nut providing a locking mechanism.

If the bolt is not in the groove, then it won't go through the hole.

[Fingolfin]

Ooookay. This makes more sense. Les, that's exactly what I was worrying about, and it's good to know that it's not supposed to close all the way. Simmitc, I thought the clamp had a thread in it! The original bolt was holding the clamp together without a nut. But the new bolt slid very nicely right through...so I guess that means I've got it right.